fort fred steele state historic site

Beside a bend in the North Platte River, where the UP RR still crosses it, you can wander among the ruins (mainly chimneys and foundations) of a frontier fort built by the Army to protect the building of the transcontinental RR (1868). We were fortunately to watch three long trains pass over the trestle and run on the same right of way that once supplied the fort. It was attacked by Indians who stole (successfully) all of the fort's horses. In 1879, it's commander and 12 troopers were killed by Indians on a mission into northern CO, one of the last combat engagements of the Indian wars. Decommissioned in 1886, it continued as a town and center for sheep production. The original Lincoln Highway passed through Fort Fred Steele, but the town that grew up around the fort was abandoned after the highway was rerouted. Now, this site is seldom visited even though it lies only 1.5 miles by paved road from a WY rest stop beside I-80 just east of Rawlings. We've stopped at the rest stop on other trips but seeing another car turn up the road toward the fort we followed and were glad we did. A worthwhile half-hour break in a long drive, to see the trains pass this isolated setting and imagine the lives those who served here affected, even to this day.

Here is an important part of western history just a mile off I-80 at exit 228. They have restored part of the trading post as an interpretive center. What remains is mostly foundations, thanks to vandals. There is a self guided tour with an abundance of interpretive signs. You have access to the rest center when you turn off to this attraction.

This is very accessible as it is just off the I-80. It is worth a quick visit if you are on the freeway and need a break, but so far not much has been restored, although there are interpretive signs. The money has been spent elsewhere and this old fort will just have to wait.