Fetterman Massacre Monument Ruff Road Review
History happened here! The Fetterman Massacre Monument was not on our radar until we visited Ft. Phil Kearny in Banner, Wyoming while camping at Mikesell -Potts Recreational Area. The Fetterman battle is explained in the Ft. Phil Kearny Interpretive Center. Sadly, there were no survivors on the soldiers side of the battle. It is historical for two reasons. First, it was the first battle in which three different tribes of Native Americans formed a coalition against American calvary. Second, it was the largest battle between the two groups at that time.
What we loved about this site:
1. Interpretive signage - We really appreciated the different points of view from the many different people who played a role in this battle and at the fort.
2. Interpretive path
3. The views! This place is beautiful with rolling green hills as far as the eye can see.
4. Easy to get to- just a couple of miles from Ft. Phil Kearny and not far off of Interstate 90.
5. Clear running creek and reference to the Bozeman Trail which ran nearby.
6. FREE!
What we didn't love or would change:
1. The trail path wasn't clear to us and there was mention of a paved trail which we never saw. Cows were blocking part of the loop but we still didn't see where the paved part of the trail might be. This one thing was not a deal breaker for us. We enjoyed our walk along the interpretive path.
2. No facilities at the site but Ft. Phil Kearny has facilities if needed.
It is sobering and humbling to stand in this place where so many fought and so many lost their lives years and years ago. It is a reminder of past history that brought America to where it is today. Personally, events like this are troubling as one struggles to identify with both sides of the battle. There are no easy answers, of course. We live into today's world. We can't change history. We can learn from it and appreciate the role that everyone played so long ago.
Fort Phil Kearny website:
You can check out our Ruff Road Review of Fort Phil Kearny on this channel.
We also posted a Ruff Road Review of Mikesell- Potts Recreational Area:
About Us:
We are two retired, full time traveling RVers with two dogs who keep us on the go!
You can follow us on our website, Facebook and Instagram.
We are heading on down the road...to our next adventure...
We like looking at freedom!
Safe travels to all!
Reenactment of Fetterman Massacre for 150th anniversary
December 21, 2016 was the 150th anniversary of the Fetterman Massacre, also known as the Battle of the Hundred in the Hand, at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site in Banner, Wyoming. The reenactment of the battle was originally scheduled to occur December 18, but due to inclement weather was canceled and rescheduled for April 30.
Fort Phil Kearny Historic Site Ruff Road Review
Mikesell- Potts Recreational area field trip for this day was the Fort Phil Kearny Historic Site. Now usually when we get to a campground, we check out the things to do near me. However, in this case, we saw the sign on the way to our campground. Fort Phil Kearny is located just off of Interstate 90 in Banner, Wyoming. If you are a history buff or just like learning about the areas you visit, you'll love this historic site. Also, you can take a short jaunt up the road to the Fetterman Massacre Monument. We learned about this battle while touring Ft. Phil Kearny so naturally we wanted to visit the site. You can check out our Ruff Road Review of the Fetterman Massacre Monument on this channel.
What we loved about Ft. Phil Kearny:
1. History here- Although this fort was in operation for only two years, Wyoming did an outstanding job of displaying artifacts from the time and providing a glimpse of what life was like at the fort.
2. Easy to get there- Right off of Interstate 90, close to our campground.
3. Helpful staff- They are ready to explain or answer any questions you have
4. Two parts to the site, the Interpretive Center (start here) and the fort area physically laid out and depicting where buildings sat within the compound.
5. Interpretive signs explaining each area you are viewing.
6. The sighting posts- These worked like binoculars to isolate and see the specific area of interest.
7. Low cost, high interest for us.
What we didn't love about Ft. Phil Kearny, probably better said as what we'd like to see change:
1. There are no buildings there, just hay bales depicting where the buildings stood. It would be helpful to see at least a couple replica buildings.
2. There are a couple of replica structures. One is the fort wall but only a partial section. Seeing this compound completely enclosed would be helpful.
That is really the only feedback that we have and neither of those two were deal breakers for us. The absence of structures and walls really caused pause and a stretch of our imaginations, not a bad thing.
Overall, this is an interesting visit back in time and provided us the opportunity to learn what folks in mid 1800 United States went through, not only the soldiers and civilians at the fort but also the Native Americans who inhabited the area.
Bonus, it is a mere eleven miles from our campsite at Mikesell - Potts.
To learn more about this historic site, you can visit their website:
About Us:
We are two retired, full time traveling RVers with two dogs who keep us on the go!
You can follow us on our website, Facebook and Instagram.
We are heading on down the road...to our next adventure...
We like looking at freedom!
Safe travels to all!
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site
During its two-year existence (1866-1868), Fort Phil Kearny was the focal point of a violent war between the U.S. Army and the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho. While the Army was assigned to protect emigrants traveling the Bozeman Trail, the Indians were protecting what they felt were their last great hunting grounds. Two battles, Fetterman and Wagon Box, involved troops stationed at Fort Phil Kearny. Abandoned and burned in 1868, the original site (along the Fetterman and Wagon Box sites) was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963. Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails is celebrating its' 75th Anniversary. wyoparks.org.
Buffalo, WY to Redlodge, MT
Motorcycle ride from Buffalo, WY to Redlodge, MT
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site
During its two-year existence (1866-1868), Fort Phil Kearny was the focal point of a violent war between the U.S. Army and the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho. While the Army was assigned to protect emigrants traveling the Bozeman Trail, the Indians were protecting what they felt were their last great hunting grounds. Two battles, Fetterman and Wagon Box, involved troops stationed at Fort Phil Kearny. Abandoned and burned in 1868, the original site (along the Fetterman and Wagon Box sites) was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963. Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails is celebrating its' 75th Anniversary. wyoparks.org.
Battle of the Little Bighorn
The Battle of the Little Bighorn, commonly referred to as Custer's Last Stand, was an armed engagement between combined forces of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, against the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. The battle, which occurred on June 25--26, 1876, near the Little Bighorn River in eastern Montana Territory, was the most prominent action of the Great Sioux War of 1876. It was an overwhelming victory for the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho, led by several major war leaders, including Crazy Horse and Chief Gall, inspired by the visions of Sitting Bull . The U.S. 7th Cavalry, including the Custer Battalion, a force of 700 men led by George Armstrong Custer, suffered a severe defeat. Five of the 7th Cavalry's companies were annihilated; Custer was killed, as were two of his brothers, a nephew, and a brother-in-law. The total U.S. casualty count, including scouts, was 268 dead and 55 injured.
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