Travel guideHistorySightsNightlifeMap

Casper History, Wyoming

The city of Casper came into existence due to the mass migration of inhabitants from California, Oregon, and Mormon. This mass migration happened as these migrants wanted land to live on and this city had plenty. This migration started during the mid of 19th century and as a result the foundation for this city was laid on the eastern side of Fort Casper’s old location. During the early years of 1840s, this same location, where today the city of Casper is situated, was the location for many ferries that would offer passage to migrants who wanted to cross the famous North Platte River. Finally, it was the year 1859 when Louis Guinard constructed a real bridge in the proximity of this original ferry location, thus making it easy for people to cross the river.

This bridge was also used as a trading post which prompted the government to post a military garrison in the nearby region. The major objective of this garrison was to protect the mail and telegraph service of this region. The initial commander under who this garrison stood was the famous Lieutenant Colonel William O. Collins.

Soon the same post was attacked many numbers of times by various American Indians. Actually, it was the famous Sand Creek Massacre of Colorado during the year 1864, which increased the attacks on this post by different American Indians. These attacks resulted in the increase in the number of troops in this location. By now, this post was named as Platte Bridge Station.

It was the year 1865 when the son of Colonel Collins, namely Lieutenant Casper Collins, was killed near the same post by a mad group which mostly contained different Indian Warriors. It was in the memory of Lieutenant Casper Collins that this garrison was named as Fort Casper. This actually helped promote the name of this brave Lieutenant.

It was the year 1867 when the troops, who were part of this Fort Casper garrison, were ordered to leave the region so as to take control of the newly create Fort Fetterman. This newly created fort was located in the downstream region of North Platte alongside the famous Bozeman Trail.

It was the closure of this fort after which this town of Casper officially came into existence. Lately, this region became an important stopping point as the railroad services were being expanded and this was the time when this town was tagged as a city.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Casper