Fort Bonneville, Historic fur trading fort in Sublette County, Wyoming
Fort Bonneville was a fortified winter camp that served the fur trade and military expansion in the American West. All that remains today are archaeological traces, including the foundations of a square palisade with two diagonal blockhouses positioned at opposite corners.
Captain Benjamin Bonneville established this fort in 1832 as a seasonal base for his trading expedition from Missouri. It represented one of many temporary outposts built during the period of American expansion to support the fur trade.
The location shows how trading posts and military expeditions marked the boundaries between European settlements and Native American lands in the expanding West. Visitors can sense the cultural meeting point between different worlds in what remains today.
The site sits along State Highway 354 near Daniel, Wyoming, with a historical marker identifying the location. Access is straightforward from the highway, but visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring weather protection since the ground is exposed and can be muddy or dusty.
Excavations in 1989 uncovered a blacksmith forge area with extensive evidence of metalworking, showing that frontier workers possessed advanced technical skills. This discovery reveals that such temporary camps were far more than simple shelters.
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