Fort Laramie was military outpost of the United States Army that was in service in the second-half of 19th century. It was located in the present-day state of Wyoming at the mouth of the Laramie River on the North Platte River, along the route of the Oregon Trail. It was constructed largely to protect migrants along the trail from raids by Native Americans, as well as to provide a way-station for travelers on the trail and for fur trappers. Contrary to its name, the fort was not located at present-day Laramie, Wyoming, but near the town of Fort Laramie, Wyoming, approximately 75 mi (120 km) to the northeast. It is currently operated by the National Park Service as Fort Laramie National Historic Site.
In the late 1860s, the fort was the primary staging ground for the United States in the Powder River Country during Red Cloud's War. The resultant peace agreement was known as the Treaty of Fort Laramie.
In the 1950s, a fictionalized account of life at the fort during the 19th century was depicted in the CBS radio program Fort Laramie.
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Last updated: 10-11-2005 07:35:27
