Name: Camp Walbach

County: Laramie

Authority Name:

GNIS Entry

Longitude:  1051105W

Latitude: 411720N

Legal Description:

Elevation: 6982/2128

(ft/m)

Feature Type: Locale

Origin of Name:

The purpose for the construction of Camp Walbach was to guard the Cheyenne Pass and protect the emigrants from the depredations of the Indians. The camp was below the hill on which a monument now stands. The hill was used as a signal point for danger to be encountered from the Indians. Old pioneers say that the soldiers stationed at Camp Walbach were massacred in 1854, but that it was reoccupied afterwards. It was an unhealthy spot, the water being bad and caused a great amount of sickness among the troops. The camp was named for General J. B. Walbach; the historic site was dedicated and unveiled on September 4, 1916.  

Source: WPA

Camp Walbach, directly west of the crossing at the head of Lodge Pole Creek; established to guard and protect the emigrants through Cheyenne Pass, a dangerous spot on this new trail. Established as a military post September 20, 1858; abandoned, April 19, 1859. Named for General J. B. Walbach, who said at the time the camp was constructed: "This was the route which should have been adopted when the road was changed from the Sweetwater and South Pass in 1862," meaning changing from the Oregon Trail to the Overland Route. After going through Cheyenne Pass, the emigrants were soon on the Laramie Plains, where this trail connected and became a part of the Overland Stage Route from the south. This road was never a mail route, but strictly and exclusively one for emigrants, who were driven from the Oregon Trail, unless in caravans, by the hostility of the Indians.

Source: Hebard and Brininstool   

Other Names: Fort Walbach

Alternative Spellings:

History:

Stories:

Maps:

1:24000 Quadrangle: Islay

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