I had previously researched the history of Fort Laramie, especially the Grattan massacre, which started the wars with the Plains Indians. Many U.S. soldiers and Indians were massacred on August 19 1854- all over a cow being killed from a Mormon Danish wagon train! Truth is, the cow that was killed strayed from the wagon train that my great-great grandmother was in. Fortunately, no pioneers were killed in the skirmish.
Buildings of Fort Laramie with less than 80% in tact were left to decay, while the remaining buildings have been restored as a part of this historical site. The larger building (above) is the oldest existing building in Wyoming, and is called "Old Bedlam" because of the boisterous sounds supposedly heard while it was occupied by bachelor officers. |
The stone building (above) was the jail house, and although the grouting has been replaced, all the stones are original. Note the remaining walls still standing from the old school house. The walls are 24 inches thick. In it's prime, Fort Laramie had beautiful homes with picket fences, green lawns and tree lines streets.
Everyone knows Chimney Rock, but you'll notice how grey the sky is. It has rained almost every day since we left Oregon. That didn't stop us from stopping long enough to spook off the rattlesnakes and take a picture of this famous landmark on the trail. Strange enough, the rock didn't seem as large as what I imagined. I visioned something much larger and taller, but make no mistake, it can be seen for miles and miles. The plains are wide open, with trees along the Platte River, but we were told that there were absolutely no trees when the Pioneers came.
Nothing would do except that we visit the Lincoln, NE International Quilt History Study and Museum. It was definitely worth the morning, and we got a private tour of the galleries. Unfortunately, we were just two weeks ahead of a new addition to the museum.
I enjoyed the modern take on the old pattern Wedding Ring. The other two quilts are very old, but had been stored so perfectly that the colors looked almost new.
These quilts were obviously not on one of those old dusty wagons crossing Nebraska or Wyoming in the 1800's.
I enjoyed the modern take on the old pattern Wedding Ring. The other two quilts are very old, but had been stored so perfectly that the colors looked almost new.
These quilts were obviously not on one of those old dusty wagons crossing Nebraska or Wyoming in the 1800's.