The Story Behind This Haunted Fort In Wyoming Is Truly Creepy
It seems like hauntings are always tied to history; spirits from the past coming back to visit the inhabitants of their old stomping grounds. Therefore, I guess we really shouldn’t be surprised that this old Fort in Wyoming, which is now a National Historic Site, is thought to be haunted by not one but a whole host of ghosts.
To understand these ghosts a little better, you need to be familiar with a little bit of the fort's history. This old fort dates back to 1834 when it was a trading post and known as Fort William. In the 1840s, wagon trains traveling along the Oregon-California trail stopped here to stock up on supplies. In 1841, the site was known as Fort John and overlooked the Laramie River.
Eventually, Fort Laramie was founded in 1849 as a military post. The fort was established to protect emigrants who were traveling west from attacks by Native Americans.
One of the ghosts lurking around the fort is the 'Lady in Green'. This ghost dates back to Fort John when it was an American Fur Company trading post. The daughter of the person in charge rode off one day on a big black horse while her father was away. She never returned and whatever happened to her is still a mystery. Supposedly, her ghost appears east of Fort Laramie every 7 years wearing a long, green riding dress and a veiled hat, carrying a jeweled whip while riding her big black stallion.
The old Captain's Quarters was built in 1870 and served as housing for commanding officers. Here, several strange things have occurred: doors opening by themselves, sounds of footsteps when no one is around, and bright lights shining from inside the facility even though there is no electricity. This ghost also has a name. His name is George.
The cavalry barracks building is also said to be haunted. This building was built in 1874 and housed hundreds of soldiers. Early in the morning, the sound of many boots can be heard walking across the floor on the second level.
Old Bedlam was built in 1849 as a bachelor officers' quarters and is also the oldest military building in Wyoming. A ghost who is a Cavalry Officer is said to walk through the building telling everyone "to be quiet."
There also have been sightings of ghosts outside of the buildings. Some of these apparitions include a young man in a raincoat, a surgeon in a blood-covered uniform, a headless man near Deer Creek, and an erratic Civil War soldier who has been spotted southeast of the fort.
Here’s a great video of haunted Fort Laramie by YouTube user, 101.9 King FM – Cheyenne’s Real Rock Variety.
Have you ever encountered any ghosts at Fort Laramie or anywhere else in Wyoming?
I am a freelance writer who also has been a small business owner and worked in the fields of insurance, accounting, and education. I enjoy spending time with family, reading, writing, photography, music, running, sports, and of course traveling!
