Fort Laramie: Life on the Northern Plains

My sister and I left Hot Springs, SD bound for our only sightseeing destination of the day, Fort Laramie National Historic Site.  The fort was established in 1834 to compete with other trading posts, and to establish a military presence in the area.  We walked the grounds, looking at the buildings that still exist from that time, and the remnants of those that have since crumbled.  Here's the Old Guardhouse with an adjacent latrine, and an artistic shot of the administrative building.

The captain's quarters and cavalry barracks had rooms that looked as they did way back when.  I was hoping to see a ghost or two, but maybe it's better that I didn't.

The oldest and most documented building on the grounds is known as Old Bedlam.  It was built to house unmarried officers, and was also headquarters for the fort commander.  Here's a photo of that building and the parade grounds.

Tomorrow, it looks like rain...the first real rain of my road trip.  It will also mean cooler temperatures, but it's tough to take photos when it's wet.