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Traveler Information |
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 Map for your own Self Guided Tour of the Fort Washakie Historic District
Wyoming Tourism Page for Traveler Services-State Events Calendar
Wind River Country
Lander Area Chamber of Commerce
Riverton Chamber of Commerce-with a Calendar of Events Page of our area
Dubois Chamber of Commerce |
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The Warm Valley |
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On the reservation, powwows, native guides and tribal outfitters offer a visitor some opportunity to see the beauty of the Wind River Mountain Range. |
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Largest Native Powwow Event in Wyoming |
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Fort Washakie is home to an annual gathering and largest Native celebration in Wyoming known as Indian Days hosted by the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. A smaller venue occurs in August for the Crowheart Butte Celebration as well. These are historically important celebrations for the Tribe and recognized by the State of Wyoming through the Arts Council. |
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Cultural Sites
Fort Washakie is the oldest community on the reservation. Originally called Fort Brown, the name was changed in 1878 to honor Chief Washakie. The legendary Buffalo Soldiers-the name given to U.S. Calvarymen of African descent-were stationed at Fort Washakie in the late 1800s. Today many of the original military buildings can be seen in the Fort Washakie Historic District.
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Fort Washakie, Wyoming
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places 4/16/69 |
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Fort Washakie is nationally significant representing Indian and Military affairs of the post Civil War period. Its namesake relates to one of the outstanding Indian Chiefs of Western America, Shoshone Chief Washakie. The Fort Washakie story represents one of the most notable examples of successful Indian-white relations in the Western United States. The fort was first established to protect the Shoshone and Bannock Indian Reservation against the wandering hostile Indian enemies of these two tribes. This protection was also extended to the miners of the nearby Sweetwater region. During the 1870s and 1880s Fort Washakie served a secondary function in providing a convenient supply base and springboard for expeditions entering Yellowstone National Park and the Big Horn country.
Photo of Fort Washakie, Wyoming Territory 1883
Wyoming State Archives
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Historic Blockhouse served as Headquarters for the 9th and 10th Cavalry
More Info Here |
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Ancient History of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe
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The petroglyphs chipped into the sandstone cliffs of an area known as Castle Gardens are on of the finest examples of the area’s rock art and are open to the public. Historians believe that petroglyphs were ways to record history, share stories, communicate spiritual messages, and mark important places. The walls of Castle Gardens are covered by the ancient Native American records. To reach Castle Gardens, head east from Riverton across more than 40 miles of high plains. The petroglyphs are found on an outcropping of rocks. Signs will direct visitors to paths and parking. Many sites are still on the Reservation but do not have public access and are considered sacred.
Most of the petroglyphs and pictographs, Sheep-eater Indian traps, and teepee circles are over 1000 years old. An extensive 1000 year old archaeological dig is located in the middle of the Riverton landfill. Many of these sites are unmarked to protect the historical record, but tours are available through the tribal offices. |
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Visit the Eastern Shoshone Tribal Station along the way
Visit the Eastern Shoshone Culture Center or call 307-332-9106 for Information 
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Tour the past |
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Fort Washakie's colorful past and history may be viewed by a self guided tour or stopping by the Eastern Shoshone Culture Center. |
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Real Lives |
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The real lives of Eastern Shoshones can be seen at the Eastern Shoshone Culture Center that provide exhibits of the art, history and culture of the Shoshone Tribe. |
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American Indian Culture |
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In Wyoming, the Wind River Indian Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and a variety of cultural experiences are available. Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman who helped Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition is buried in Fort Washakie, as is Chief Washakie. |
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