The Abandoned Fort Hiding In Wyoming That Is Hauntingly Beautiful
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Caryl
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What once was a bustling area is now a site with nothing but abandoned buildings left behind. The area served several purposes throughout the years. Today, it’s a hauntingly beautiful abandoned fort hiding in Wyoming that emanates only echoes of the past.
Fort Fred Steele was first established in 1868 as a military post to guard the men who were working on the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad from attacks by Native Americans.
The fort was named after the Union General of the 20th U.S. Infantry.
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Fort Fred Steele also provided protection for the railroad bridge across the North Platte River.
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The Bridge Tender's House was built by the Union Pacific Railroad. The Bridge Tender's job was to make sure that there weren't any interruptions to railroad traffic. The house was abandoned in the mid 1900s.
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The Powder Magazine was constructed in 1881 to house the fort's munitions. It was built across the river from the fort in case of an explosion.
The post also included a sawmill, blacksmith, saddler, store, barracks and officer's quarters.
There is also a cemetery where the people who worked in and around the fort were buried. Many of the bodies have been moved to Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Nebraska.
After the Native Americans had been subdued in the area, the post was deactivated. The fort then became a logging center and finally a major sheep operation.
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Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site is located 13 miles east of Rawlins and 9 miles east of Sinclair off of Interstate 80.
For another abandoned fort, click on The Remnants Of This Abandoned Hospital In Wyoming Are Hauntingly Beautiful.
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