Deep in the heart of Wyoming’s sweeping plains lies Fort Laramie, an atmospheric site that resonates with the weight of American history — and, if the whispers are true, the echoes of something much more ethereal. Established as a fur trading post long before Wyoming ever gained statehood, this iconic location has seen soldiers, settlers, and Native American tribes pass through its gates. But when the sun dips below the horizon and the wind sweeps through the crumbling brick and timber remnants, some visitors swear they’re not alone.
Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter, a road trip adventurer, or simply a curious history buff, Fort Laramie is a must-visit. It’s a place where history comes alive — and perhaps, never quite died. Let’s take a dive into the rich past of this historic gem and discover why its legend continues to thrive, both in daylight and darkness.
The History
From Fur Trade to Frontier Fort
Fort Laramie began its life in 1834 as Fort William, a fur trading post established by fur traders William Sublette and Robert Campbell. Positioned at the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers, it was an ideal location for exchanging goods with the Native American tribes, particularly the Sioux and Cheyenne.
In 1841, the post was replaced with a larger, more fortified structure made of adobe and renamed Fort John. But it wasn’t until 1849, when the U.S. Army purchased the fort, that it became known officially as Fort Laramie.
A Military Outpost of the American West
Under U.S. Army control, Fort Laramie evolved into a critical military post, guarding emigrant routes and serving as a waypoint for those traveling the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails. The fort provided necessary supplies, protection, and a semblance of civilization to westward-bound settlers. It was also a hub for communication and diplomacy between the U.S. government and various Native tribes.
Treaties and Tensions
Fort Laramie was the site of two significant treaties, signed in 1851 and again in 1868. These treaties were meant to establish peace between the U.S. government and Native American tribes by establishing land boundaries and providing annuities. However, both treaties were fraught with misunderstandings and eventual betrayals, leading to further conflict.
The 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie notably recognized the Black Hills as part of the Great Sioux Reservation — that is, until the discovery of gold led to its illegal seizure by settlers, sparking the Great Sioux War. Fort Laramie, caught in the middle, served as both a military base and a violent flashpoint.
Decline and Preservation
With the completion of the transcontinental railroad and the closing of the frontier, Fort Laramie’s significance waned. In 1890, the Army abandoned the post, leaving behind its weathered buildings and fading legacy. Fortunately, recognizing its historic and cultural importance, the site was later preserved and is now managed by the National Park Service as a National Historic Site.
Today, visitors can explore restored buildings that once housed soldiers, officers, and families. Walking through Fort Laramie is like stepping back in time — and for some, it’s stepping into a different realm entirely.
The Haunt
Echoes of the Past
Given its long history of battles, deaths, and dramatic life on the frontier, it’s no surprise that Fort Laramie is considered one of the most haunted places in Wyoming. Soldiers, settlers, and Native Americans who passed through the fort may have left a spiritual footprint behind — and many claim those souls never fully departed.
The Lady in Green
By far the most famous ghost at Fort Laramie is the enigmatic “Lady in Green.” Described as wearing a flowing green gown and emitting a floral scent, this female apparition is most commonly spotted on the old Officer’s Row. Witnesses say she silently glides through the buildings and across the lawns, vanishing before she can be approached.
Some believe she is the wife of a long-deceased officer, eternally searching for her husband who died in battle. Others think she may be a remnant from the fort’s trading post days, perhaps a woman who met a tragic end out on the dangerous plains. Whatever her origin, the Lady in Green is emblematic of Fort Laramie’s supernatural side — seen often, but never understood.
Phantom Footsteps and Disembodied Voices
Visitors and staff have reported countless paranormal events over the years. Heavy footsteps echo in empty corridors. Doors open and close with no one near. Disembodied voices — some whispering, others shouting — have been heard in the barracks and guardhouse. Ghostly laughter, crying, and even the whinnying of non-existent horses have added to the eerie atmosphere.
Experienced paranormal investigators have brought EMF detectors, audio recorders, and thermal cameras, attempting to document the strange occurrences. Some have succeeded in capturing unexplained voices on audio, while others have experienced sudden temperature drops or feelings of dread in certain buildings.
Spectral Soldiers
Several visitors claim to have seen the shadowy outlines of soldiers patrolling the grounds or standing guard at doorways. These apparitions often appear solid at first glance before dispersing into mist, leaving behind a chill that cuts to the bone even in the summer heat.
Could these be the restless spirits of men who died defending the fort or suffering from disease and isolation? Military life on the frontier was harsh, and many met untimely deaths. According to legend, some soldiers who lived and died at Fort Laramie never reported for their final roll call — and may still be standing watch decades after the last bugle call.
Conclusion: For the Ghost Hunters and the Bold
If you have an insatiable curiosity for history and a passion for the paranormal, Fort Laramie is an unmissable destination. The site offers an exceptional opportunity to explore not only a crucial chapter of America’s westward expansion but also one of its most enduring mysteries. The blending of documented history with unexplained phenomena makes Fort Laramie uniquely appealing for ghost hunters and historians alike.
Whether you’re capturing EVPs, photographing anomalies, or just soaking up the atmosphere of this storied fort, Fort Laramie delivers. It’s educational, eerie, and unforgettable. Who knows — perhaps the Lady in Green will grace you with an appearance, or you’ll catch the faint echo of a bugle in the still Wyoming air.
Grab your gear, keep your eyes open, and tread carefully. At Fort Laramie, the past is always present — and maybe, just maybe, the dead still walk beside us.