Name: Fort Sanders

 

County: Albany

 

Authority Name: Fort Sanders (Wyo.)

 

GNIS Entry

 

Longitude:  1053555W

Latitude: 411616N

 

Legal Description:

 

Elevation: 7185/2190

(ft/m)

 

Feature Type: Locale, Fort

 

Origin of Name:

Fort Sanders was located three miles south of Laramie. It was established as a military post on July 19, 1866. Known first as Fort John Buford, after General John Buford, who died December 16, 1863, this fort was later named for General William P. Sanders. General Sanders died from wounds received in the battle at Knoxville, Tennesse in November 1863. Fort Sanders was built to protect the Overland Trail and the construction of the Union Pacific Railway from hostile Indian attacks. 

Source: WPA

 

Named for Brig. General Wm. P. Sanders of Mississippi who was killed at Knoxville, Tennessee, November, 1863.

Source: Annals 14(3)

 

Other Names: Fort Buford, Fort John Buford

 

Alternative Spellings:

 

History:

Fort Sanders Post Office was established as Fort John Buford Post Office in October, 1866 in Dakota Territory. It was changed to Fort Sanders Post Office in November, 1866. It was discontinued on June 2, 1882 and its mail then handled at Laramie City Post Office.

Source: Wyoming Post Offices

 

Stories:

 

Maps:

1:24000 Quadrangle: Laramie 

 

Newspapers:

 

More Information: 

 

Pictures: