Name: Fort Bridger

 

County: Uinta

 

Authority Name: Fort Bridger (Wyo.)

 

GNIS Entry

 

Longitude:  1102304W

Latitude: 411900N

 

Legal Description:

 

Elevation: 6673/2034

(ft/m)

 

Feature Type: Populated Place, Post Office, Fort

 

Origin of Name:

Named after Jim Bridger. The first owner of the fort was perhaps the most picturesque figure in early Wyoming. He was often called the ‘Daniel’ Boone of the Rockies. Fort Bridger, which he built and Bridger’s Pass, which he discovered were named for him. This historical fort has several interesting old buildings still standing; the old pony express barn and the Mormon protective wall are still in existence there, and fitting ceremonies will make this site one of the landmarks for history.

Source: WPA

 

Named for James Bridger who, with Benito Vasquez, established the fort in 1842.

Source: Annals 14(3)

 

Fort Bridger, Wyoming. Situated near Carter's Station, Union Pacific Railroad, Uinta County; now town of that name.

Source: Heitman   

 

Other Names: 

 

Alternative Spellings:

 

History:

Fort Bridger Post Office was established in August, 1850 in Nebraska Territory. It was discontinued in July, 1851. It was re-established in Dakota Territory in August, 1858. It was changed to Bridger in July 1906 but changed back to Fort Bridger in July, 1911.

Source: Wyoming Post Offices

 

Postoffice in Uinta county, 10 miles south of Carter the nearest railroad point, and 36 miles east of Evanston the county seat and 6 miles from Lyman the nearest banking point. Farming and stock raising are the principal industries. Population 175. Altitude 6,700 feet.

Source: Wyoming State Business Directory, 1922

 

Stories:

 

Maps:

1:24000 Quadrangle: Fort Bridger

 

Newspapers:

 

More Information: 

Fort Bridger State Historic Site

http://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Site/SiteInfo.asp?siteID=14

 

Pictures: