County: Albany

Authority Name:

GNIS Entry

Longitude:  1052635W

Latitude: 410516N

Legal Description:

Elevation: 8005/2440

(ft/m)

Feature Type: Summit

Origin of Name:

The Natural Fort which is located twelve miles southwest of Cheyenne is an old landmark and has a history dating back to fur trading days. A village of the Crow tribe of Indians came south on a buffalo hunt, crossing the North Platte at the mouth of the Laramie River, moving up this stream until they reached Box Elder Creek and then going south. The hunters killed a large number of buffalo on the plains east of the Laramie range and finally followed an immense herd down Crow Creek, covering the ground where Cheyenne now stands. Soon Blackfeet warriors ran into the band who had headed the big buffalo herd which the Crows were driving. The Crows greatly outnumbered the Blackfeet and soon attacked the Blackfeet warriors, but the Blackfeet took refuge at the Natural Fort. As soon as the Blackfeet warriors were found, the Crow warriors attacked, driving them from the Natural Fort.  

Source: WPA

Jutting rocks merge into a formation known as Natural Fort, ... . In 1831, drought drove the buffalo southward into this region, and the Blackfeet and Crow of northern Wyoming followed them for the fall hunt. The tribes were unaware of each other's presence, until 160 Blackfeet rode straight into a large party of Crow. The Blackfeet, outnumbered, took refuge in the Natural Fort. The Crow had with them 20 white trappers, led by Jim Beckwourth, who urged them to attack. In a battle that lasted several hours, all the Blackfeet and 40 Crow were killed.

Source: Wyoming Guide

Other Names: 

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History:

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Maps:

1:24000 Quadrangle: Dale Creek

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