Venture north on Highway 93 to Fort Fetterman, a State Historic Site.

Located approximately eleven miles northwest of Douglas, Fort Fetterman sits on a plateau overlooking the valleys of LaPrele Creek and the North Platte River.

Visitors can walk the grounds and follow interpretive signs that tell the story of the fort, which was abandoned in 1882. A restored officer’s quarters and an original ordnance warehouse still remain among the many visible foundations of both the fort and Fetterman City. Today, these buildings house interpretive exhibits and artifacts related to the fort’s history, Fetterman City, and the area’s Indian predecessors.

Fort Fetterman was established as a military post on July 19, 1867, in response to the hazardous conditions that existed on the Northern Plains at the close of the Civil War. As settlement expanded across the frontier along the line of the Union Pacific Railroad, the fort served as a major supply point for the army operating against the Indians.

On July 31, 1867, the post was named Fort Fetterman in honor of Captain William J. Fetterman, who was killed in a fight with Indians near Fort Phil Kearny on December 21, 1866.

During the mid-1870s, Fort Fetterman reached its peak importance as the jumping-off place for several major military expeditions. As Native American populations were moved to the reservations, however, the fort was no longer needed.

The Community of Fetterman City & the Birth of Douglas

When the military abandoned the fort in 1882, the site did not fade immediately. A community grew up around the post, and for a time it served as an outfitting point for area ranchers and wagon trains. The boom was short-lived, however. In 1886, the town of Douglas was founded a short distance to the south, and the old fort, already in decline, quickly lost out as a town site.

Most of the buildings were eventually sold, dismantled, or moved to other locations. Visitors can still walk the interpretive trail, where signs describe the historic site and lead to a gazebo overlooking Crook’s Camp and the Indian country to the north.

Fort Fetterman Amenities

The site offers several picnic areas and a shelter for group or individual use. Visitors can also enjoy geocaching, browse the on-site gift shop, and explore the visitors center and museum. Several walking paths also provide a great way to stretch your legs and take in the setting.

Fort Fetterman Day

Fort Fetterman Day is held at the site on the Saturday closest to July 19th, the anniversary of the fort’s establishment in 1867, and features fun and entertainment for families.