Fort Bridger State Historic Site

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Fort Bridger, established in 1843 by Jim Bridger and his partner Louis Vasquez, was a trading post before it became a fort.  Westward bound travelers could resupply here, although the prices were reported to be very high.  A group of Mormans settled nearby and at one point reported to the government that Bridger was selling alcohol and ammunition to the Indians.  Since this was illegal, a raid was planned to stop Bridger, but he found out about it and escaped.  The Mormans established Fort Supply, about 12 miles away and eventually took over running Fort Bridger.  There is much history in the continued building and ownership of the fort, but eventually it was run by William Alexander Carter.

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The grounds of Fort Bridger are very beautiful!
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This is the Post Trader's Store.  Food and dry goods could be purchased here, and a post office was also located in the building.  Over time, the telegraph and telephone was also were installed here.  Click here to see inside the store.
This building housed the Carriage House, Stables, Chicken Coop, and Ice House.  Click here to visit it.
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This was the first school house in Wyoming.  Judge Carter had it built in 1860 for the education of his 6 children and other children in the fort.  He employed instructors from the East, and the students of this school were able to enter college without further education.
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A Freight Wagon
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New Guard House (1888 - 1890)
The post commissary was built in 1867 and provided a place for soldiers to obtain rations and supplies.  One half of the building served as the sleeping quarters and office for the clerk, and the other side served as the sales area.
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Post Commissary
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Sleeping Quarters
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Clerks Office (above)
Sales Area (right)
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The Visitor's Center (above) held a gift store and a museum with very interesting displays inside it.  We enjoyed it very much!  Click here to visit it!
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Our last stop was at the Commanding Officer's Quarters. 
This home was built in 1884.
Click here to see inside.
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