Near Kaycee in Johnson County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
“We live like the prairie dogs that surround us…”
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 5, 2016
1. “We live like the prairie dogs that surround us…” Marker
Captions: (upper left) Map of Cantonment Reno; (lower left) Cantonment Reno under construction.
Inscription.
“We live like the prairie dogs that surround us…”. . This could have been said by a member of the Cantonment Reno garrison. Cantonment means temporary, and this definitely described the conditions here. Construction began in the fall of 1876, and because of the approaching winter, dugouts and cabins were hurriedly construction. These were holes dug in the earth, crudely built log and canvas structures, covered with lumber and soil. They often became infested with vermin or filled with water during storms. The lumber had to be cut by hand from nearby cottonwood trees, and drinking water was hauled from the muddy Powder River. Over time, the living conditions improved with the addition of log barracks, a hospital, large canvas-covered warehouses and vegetable cellars. In 1878, the post was moved to a new location on Clear Creek where the water was clean and good lumber was available.
This could have been said by a member of the Cantonment Reno garrison. Cantonment means temporary, and this definitely described the conditions here. Construction began in the fall of 1876, and because of the approaching winter, dugouts and cabins were hurriedly construction. These were holes dug in the earth, crudely built log and canvas structures, covered with lumber and soil. They often became infested with vermin or filled with water during storms. The lumber had to be cut by hand from nearby cottonwood trees, and drinking water was hauled from the muddy Powder River. Over time, the living conditions improved with the addition of log barracks, a hospital, large canvas-covered warehouses and vegetable cellars. In 1878, the post was moved to a new location on Clear Creek where the water was clean and good lumber was available.
Erected by Bureau of Land Management.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.
Location. 43° 46.914′ N, 106° 16.086′ W. Marker is near Kaycee, Wyoming, in Johnson County. Marker is on Lower Sussex Road near Sussex Road (County Route 192), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kaycee WY 82639, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. This marker is about 6 miles north of the Sussex Road (County Road 192) intersection, on Lower Sussex Road.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 5, 2016
2. “We live like the prairie dogs that surround us…” Marker
This marker is in the foreground.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 238 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on September 19, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Cantonment (Fort) Reno makers located about 3 to 6 miles north of this one. • Can you help?
