Fort Laramie Park History, 1834-1977

Though the Winter "campaign" to have Forts Laramie and Bridger set aside proved to be but another flash in the pan, more effective efforts were in the mill. First among these was the organization, in New York City, of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association, with the venerable Ezra Meeker as nominal President. Among members were the equally venerable ex-cowboy William Hooker and ex-bullwhacker and artist, William H. Jackson, the latter being one of the most effective apostles of this new movement. To help finance the enterprise Congress authorized the coinage of memorial 50-cent pieces. Another money making idea was that Meeker, with the assistance of journalist Robert Bruce, would write "a book surrounding old Fort Laramie which he hoped would have a large circulation," but which seems not to have materialized. If it were financially successful, "the Association would like to help in preserving the Old Fort as a Historical Landmark." Although most of its philanthropies were engaged in helping to finance Oregon Trail and Pony Express markers, in time the OTMA would play a significant role in promotional events that helped keep the Fort Laramie torch aflame. [24]

In June, 1926 Dr. Grace Raymond Hebard gave the dedicatory speech at a new marker for the Mary Homesley grave near the Fort, with a vibrant ode to heroic pioneers. [25] While attention was still rivetted on this inspirational theme, the Fort Laramie neighborhood had an unusual visitor, a Mr. Bell, a Pathe News photographer, to make a motion picture of scenic and historic attractions for the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, which was subsequently shown at theatres up and down the Valley. The production, including artistic shots of the Fort ruins, marking "the most famous outpost of the Old West," was rated by the Guernsey Gazette as a "stupendous attraction." The Scout reported that the movie included action shots of Hunton and Wilde in their historic habitat. After the showing Chief Yellow Calf of the Arapahoes addressed the audience in sign language. Hunton's attendance at this movie, an exception to his long-standing rule to avoid such sybaritic entertainment, and his open dialogue with the Chief in the Arapahoe tongue, generated further historic interest among Valley communities. [26]

Another development that summer was the much-publicized Fort Laramie encampment of the Fourth U. S. Cavalry from Fort D. A. Russell, en route in September to the State Fair in Douglas. This was billed as "the first time since Fort Laramie was abandoned by the Government that U. S. troops are encamped on the old parade ground, and the notes of the bugle resound once more and echo back from the ancient walls." The Regiment, under Colonel Osnum Latrobe, composed of 250 men and 300 horses, "pitched camp in the shelter of the old buildings," where motion pictures of the nostalgic camp amidst historic surroundings were taken by Pathe News and distributed nationwide. [27]

While these events were keeping the Fort in the limelight, newspapermen were thumping the tub for preservation at a rising tempo. When the Cheyenne Tribune-Leader asked for suggestions as to what should be done with the "John Higgins Trust" donated to the State, George Houser was ready with a novel idea that the State, rather than the Federal Government, might after all be the most logical protector of the Fort:

One very appropriate way of using the bequest of this fine old man would be to purchase the site of Old Fort Laramie as a state park, restore the old buildings and grounds to something of their former appearance. Fix up one of the old buildings for an historical department and move the old records and curios from Cheyenne where they are now seldom noticed, to this beauty spot where these things would become a great attraction.

We talk about the federal government setting aside this old post as a national monument, but the State of Wyoming should not relinquish it and should need no further urging to make a beautiful state park.

The old place is dear to the heart of every Wyoming citizen. . . it revives in the archives of our memory the trials and tribulations of the early pioneers. . . Our citizens, for who else can we lay it to, should be put to shame for any further neglect in preserving this fine old Fort, the most famous outpost of the old West. [28]

Meanwhile Pat Flannery reported a rising tide of enthusiasm for the preservation project elsewhere in the state, citing pledges of support by the Wheatland Times and the Cheyenne Tribune, as well as various chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Suggestions were made that there be a campaign of public subscriptions to supplement a basic appropriation by the State Legislature. While not opposed to State ownership, if that were the only alternative, Flannery editorialized in favor of national monument status, so that the Federal Government could reclaim its own. He asserted, "It is in truth a national monument whether we have it or whether we forget it, but wouldn't it shock and scandalize the nation to see the Washington Monument in a state of neglect or the grave of the Unknown Soldier overgrown with weeds!" He continued, "The movement to honor Old Fort Laramie will indeed be glad tidings to those who find repugnance in the destruction or commercialization of ancient and holy things." [29]

This last enigmatic statement was an oblique reference to the Omaha entrepreneur who had bought the best part of the Fort, and who had announced forthcoming improvements. This had elicited the skepticism also of the D.A.R. ladies of Wheatland who asked Mr. Waters to reassure them that "he did not intend to permit the old buildings to be obliterated." Despite Waters' promises to this effect, Flannery was disturbed by the proposed "remodeling of the fort for resort purposes." To him this "seems like an ignominious end for this place." [30] However, for all the talk, no actual "remodelling" was begun in the summer of 1926, as advertised, giving the preservationists cause to hope that something could still be done publicly before the private moratorium was lifted.

At a late August meeting of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of the North Platte Valley, in Torrington, attended by Governor Nellie Tayloe Ross, a resolution was passed, "to endorse the movement to make a national park of old Fort Laramie." Commented Flannery:

This is one of the strongest endorsements that this movement has yet received, and should give it much impetus. The Old Fort undoubtedly contains possibilities that could make it into the most interesting national monument of the nation. Aside from its great value to historians and writers, Fort Laramie as a national monument would have a strong appeal to all classes of Americans, for it is symbolical of the most romantic period of our history. . . [31]

As it turned out, in 1926 the key to Fort Laramie's future was in the hands of two men attending the Annual Pioneer Reunion held in Guernsey August 27-28. Among those present was William H. Jackson of Washington, D.C., who first followed the Oregon Trail in 1866 as an employee of the freighting firm of Russell, Majors and Waddell, who made the first photographs of the scenic wonders of Yellowstone Park, in 1872, and whose sketches of Scotts Bluff, Fort Laramie and other landmarks would make him one of the premier salesmen of the Old West. Accompanying the aging but spry Mr. Jackson was Robert S. Ellison, vice-president, Midwest Refining Company, Casper, a man of vision dedicated to preserving historic reminders of pioneer virtues. [32] The strongest and most perceptive case presented to date for Fort Laramie appeared in a guest editorial by Mr. Ellison in a special edition of the Guernsey Gazette gotten up for the Reunion. His views are of prime importance in the light of his subsequent activist role as first chairman of the Landmark Commission:

Wyoming is fortunate in having two of the three great out-fitting points on the Oregon Trail between the Missouri River and the Pacific Ocean. Of these Fort Laramie in southeastern Wyoming possesses an even greater wealth of historic values than Fort Bridger in southwestern Wyoming, and outranks in the history of the west any other trading or military post . . .

I realize full well the need for most of us to make a livelihood and not dwell too long upon our past, no matter how heroic and glorious, but I also believe that no people can be truly great and hope to endure without due regard for the knowledge of the worthy deeds and sacrifices of our ancestors. . .

It is therefore, a matter of no mean importance, in my opinion, that we secure and preserve as best we can the site and ruins of old Fort Laramie. . . Just how this can be done best is not easy to outline, but we must first resolve and want it done.

Mr. Ellison revealed that a formula for the preservation of Fort Laramie and other major historical properties as well had been given to him by Horace Albright, then Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, and soon to become the second Director of the National Park Service. [33] He quotes Mr. Albright:

. . . unless the private ownership of these landmarks can be extinguished the Federal Government would feel that it would be futile to try to handle them as national monuments. . . It seems to me that the first step would be to get the Legislature to pass an act authorizing condemnation of the properties, and at the same time authorizing the acceptance of private donations for the purchase of historical landmarks. The law ought also to contain authority to transfer such landmarks to the Federal Government.

Mr. Albright also suggested the formation of a state landmarks commission to serve without pay in implementing this procedure, advice that would be followed quickly. Mr. Ellison was among the first to recognize that acquisition alone would not solve the problem, that the expenses of restoration, protection and maintenance would be formidable; accordingly, the virtue in Federal ownership was that these expenses could be shared by taxpayers nationwide, not solely those of the State. That failing, his only suggestion for State revenue was to provide "simple cabins and accommodations for visitors" whose payment for such facilities might cover management costs. Looking beyond that awkward hurdle he envisioned "a suitable library and museum building where manuscripts, books and evidences of pioneer life could be assembled by gift or purchase, and be available to writers and the general public for all time to come." The Fort, he envisioned, would become a mecca for millions of Americans who "seek lasting inspiration" from such shrines. [34]

After such clairvoyant flights of imagination, getting back to mundane reality was a real jolt. At this point this took the form of Mr. Waters, the well-intentioned man from Omaha. In April 1926 he had formed a partnership with M. S. Hartman, executive of the Fairmont Creamery of Omaha, to embark on his proclaimed Fort restoration project. In May the Fort Laramie Scout quoted Lewis A. Snell, local contractor, as saying that the partners, "plan to start work by restoring the exteriors of the old buildings to their original state, as nearly as possible, beginning about June 15 of that year. However, it appears that, whatever plans there were, there was little or no work on the premises until December. The January 6, 1927 issue of the Scout reports that Mr. Snell "had been engaged for the past two weeks in reshingling and remodelling the old Sutler's Store. Other old buildings are being reshingled and it is reported that the owners plan to refloor the old buildings." The January 13 issue revealed that it was the intention of Mr. Hartman "to make use of the sutler's store as a museum. Mr. Snell was invited to "come to Omaha, with all expenses paid, that he may look over Mr. Hartman's collection of mounted wildlife, old coins, etc., and thus get a better idea of the cases, stands, and other fixtures that he will be required to build." The September 1 issue summarized the season's accomplishments:

Messrs. Tom Waters and M. S. Hartman. . . have made a commendable start toward the preservation of the more historic buildings, and plan to continue this work over a considerable period. The services of Lewis Snell. . . have been engaged for a year with this end in view.

The crumbling walls of the old adobe "sutler's store" have been patched and strengthened with concrete, new floors laid, and its sagging roof is now supported by a series of new concrete pillars. . .

The next work to be undertaken is that of restoring "Old Bedlam", a two story frame building renouned (sic) in history and fiction. . .

Mr. Waters has given instructions that the old material is to be salvaged and reused wherever feasible so that the buildings may be restored as nearly as possible to their original condition. He states that the only object of the work being done now is to prevent further deterioration.

That seems to have been the extent of the Waters-Hartman private restoration project, and we can only speculate that they ran short of funds or had second thoughts about the money-making potential of their investment. [35] Later Government restorationists shed tears over the drastic treatment of the adobe Sutler's Store, with concrete pillars in lieu of the original west wall, and the disappearance of almost all shelving, ledgers, and miscellaneous articles once reported to have survived in quantity. To the extent that the store and other buildings were actually re-shingled, the partners must get credit for thus retarding worse structural dangers from radical leakage and possible collapse. In summary, whatever their deficiencies as restorationists, the partners destroyed no buildings and should get credit for preservation efforts that no government agency would be able to undertake for another decade. [36]

In 1927 the good news was the creation by the Wyoming State Legislature of a Historical Landmark Commission (HLCW), pretty much along the lines recommended by Horace Albright to Robert Ellison. This independent agency would play a central role in repeated efforts to acquire Fort Laramie.

The Commission was created by an Act approved February 26, 1927. It consisted of 3 members appointed by the Governor. The initial appointments were Robert S. Ellison of Casper, Chairman; Warren Richardson of Cheyenne, Treasurer; and Joseph Weppner of Rock Springs, Secretary. There was a small recurring appropriation for reimbursement of travel expenses, printing Biennial reports, and the preparation and placement of historical markers, but no funds for the acquisition, improvement or operation of historic sites. The broad powers of the Commission included authority to evaluate any or all historic sites in the State, to provide for roadside monumentation, and to recommend sites for State acquisition. Anticipating resistance by landowners, the law authorized condemnation proceedings to acquire in fee simple with funds appropriated specifically for the purpose, "any real estate which in the opinion of the Commission is of sufficient historic interest as to require that the same be set aside and preserved for the public welfare." Anticipating the strain on state budgets which such acquisitions might entail, the statute also gave the Commission the power to arrange by contract or otherwise with the U. S. Government or its constituted agencies for the preservation and care of state-owned sites. A final major provision, to augment the efforts of the 3 Commissioners operating on donated time over a vast region, was authority to appoint an "interested, capable and working advisory committee in each county." [37]

The Commission's First Biennial Report issued in 1928 expressed its sense of high purpose: "Few states possess as many outstanding historic sites identified with the upbuilding and bringing of civilization into the West as does Wyoming. Our wealth in this respect should be regarded as a sacred heritage and a priceless asset." In this report the Commissioners gave Fort Laramie prominent billing as "the first permanent establishment in what is now Wyoming, and easily the most famous post in the entire West." The Chairman noted that he personally "has attempted at different times since January, 1925, in connection with the Honorable John Hunton, to secure the cooperation of and definite prices from the owners, but it has been impossible to secure same, and the acquisition of the fort will probably have to be handled along different lines." While Ellison had previously mentioned "public subscriptions" and "public-spirited contributions," he had little faith in that kind of solution. His formula would be condemnation if necessary, and appropriation of land acquisition funds by the State Legislature when confronted with a hard choice. Fort Bridger, the state's first historical acquisition, in 1929, became available without such recourse, but Ellison knew that Fort Laramie would be a tougher nut to crack. [38]

While the Commission was getting squared away to take some kind of action, the initiative was seized by George Houser, who thought that it might be worthwhile to have another try along the Congressional route and save the State a lot of money. At his instigation, in August, 1928 the proposition of "having Old Fort Laramie set aside as a national monument, or in some way of having it preserved for posterity," was presented by the Miller-Rebillet Post of Guernsey to the State Convention of the American Legion in Cheyenne. The Legion was, of course, delighted to support this patriotic move. Early in 1929 Houser, now a member of the State House of Representatives from Platte County, introduced "House Joint Memorial Number 1, memorializing Congress to purchase, restore, and preserve old Fort Laramie, and set it aside as a national monument." The Act approved February 14 reads in part as follows:

WHEREAS Old Fort Laramie. . . is the most noted frontier post in the West, where thousands upon thousands of immigrants paused for protection and supplies, as they trekked their way westward across the Plains of the Great West, to establish a new empire; and

WHEREAS, this old Fort, to which there is more historic sentiment attached than any other spot in the West, is fast decaying, and should be preserved for posterity, in order that future generations may see it and be inspired to emulate those sturdy pioneer who passed this way. . .

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that in order to accomplish this purpose, Congress be requested to appropriate a reasonable sum to purchase the Old Fort and grounds, and preserve this noted spot in the West. . .

Be it further resolved that the House of Representatives of the 20th Legislature, the Senate concurring, do hereby strongly urge favorable action by Congress. . . and that copies of this Resolution be submitted to the Interior Department of the United States, to the National Parks Commission, and to each of the members of the Wyoming delegation in Congress. [39]

The bill was introduced in Congress, but died still-born in the House Interior Sub-Committee. Approaching the matter more realistically, the HLCW, on October 18, 1929, at a special meeting in Cheyenne, acted to set up an advisory committee representing Goshen and Platte Counties "with the primary object of acquiring and maintaining the site of Old Fort Laramie." Houser and Flannery accepted invitations to serve and they in turn were empowered to name 5 others: Charles L. Bruce of Fort Laramie; Fred Burton, Guernsey; Dr. G. O. Hanna, Lingle; Hon. Thomas G. Powers, Torrington; and Rev. E. L. Tull, Wheatland. This committee met at Torrington November 6 and elected Houser as Chairman, Flannery as Secretary. Also, two independent volunteer teams of appraisers were designated to examine and report on their evaluation of the 3 coveted properties, held then in the names of Thomas Waters, J. M. Auld, and George Sandercock. [40] At a meeting in Fort Laramie town on December 1, the 2 teams of appraisers came up with combined valuations of $10,650 and $15,650 respectively, for a total of slightly under 50 acres north of the Laramie River, which just barely encompassed the visible structural remains. While this would impose severance problems for all 3 parties, the appraisers gave the opinion that "the restoration of Fort Laramie would neither benefit or damage" the rest of the private holdings. [41]

The Second Biennial Report of the Commission (1929-1930) confessed to no definite progress on the Fort Laramie front "other than having a plat made of the historic properties described, together with appraisal of fair value by local realtors and ranch owners." It could only express hope for "some definite proposition" for the next session of the Legislature. Flannery believed that the situation was critical. He reported early in 1930 that the local committee had received a visit from J. W. Auld of Red Cloud, Nebraska:

Mr. Auld. . . states that unless some action toward acquiring the property is taken soon it may be necessary for him to tear down the historic old barracks, as they are beginning to require extensive repairs, which their value to a private owner for commercial purposes does not justify. . .

The undaunted spirit of the pioneers still hovers there among those ruins of its former greatness — and if Wyoming permits those ruins to utterly perish, we shall truly be ungrateful of what they did for us. . . Their memory will reproach us — and future generations will will reproach us — if the scene of old Fort Laramie is permitted to pass and fade, unhonored. [42]

While negotiations languished the project promoters sky-rocketed with plans for a mammoth public celebration on the Fort grounds, the "Covered Wagon Centennial" commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Jackson-Sublette wagon caravan of 1830 from St. Louis to the Rocky Mountain rendezvous, on Wind River, the first wheeled vehicles up the Platte River Road. The memorable event of August 15, on a scale similar to the one held on July 4 at Independence Rock, was inspired by the Oregon Trail Memorial Association and a Presidential Proclamation observing the Centennial. It was coordinated by the local advisory committee of the HLCW spearheaded by Chairman Houser and Secretary Flannery. Estimates of attendance that day vary wildly, from 7,500 to 23,000, but whatever the correct figure, it was alleged by Flannery to be "the largest crowd ever assembled in the North Platte Valley." The unparalleled success of the celebration was due to the enthusiasm with which community organizations up and down the Valley, from Scottsbluff to Douglas, participated. The massive turnout certainly demonstrated "widespread interest in the movement to preserve and restore the birthplace of Western history as a state or national monument." The demonstration of support was all the more convincing because the celebration was held despite some of the most adverse weather and road conditions on record. Flannery paints the vivid picture:

After weeks of fair weather, unusually heavy rains set in the week previous to the Covered Wagon Centennial Observance at Old Fort Laramie. All day Thursday, all night Thursday, the downpour continued. And early Friday morning the leaden skies still dripped, making it appear that the ceremonies would be impossible, and flood waters from the north came tumbling down upon the town of Fort Laramie, inundating its streets and sidewalks under a foot or more of water, sending traffic over the highway to the Old Fort on a wide detour. But rain and flood could not dampen the ardor of those thousands who came from near and far to pay tribute at this shrine of western history — and Old Neptune himself finally gave up the job, the battalions of clouds gave way and the sun came out from his retreat to usher in a beautiful day.

Although the weather eliminated a pageant and several other programmed events, and the muddy roads became a quagmire, by 2 P.M. there were an alleged 5,000 automobiles parked in the vicinity. (The Mayor of Torrington had issued a proclamation of his own, and virtually that entire city migrated to the Fort on that day.) Chairman Ellison of the HLCW presided over the formal program, with addresses by Governor Frank C. Emerson of Wyoming and Congressman Robert Simmons of the Sixth District, Nebraska. Telegrams from President Herbert Hoover and other dignitaries were read, and old-timers were introduced. Prominent among these were William H. Jackson, James H. Cook, Finn Burnett, and Mrs. Harry English, daughter of a former post commander.

Local color was provided by a Sioux Indian encampment, and an attack by masked bandits on a genuine Deadwood stagecoach. More excitement was generated by the appearance of an emigrant wagon train which had to fight off an Indian attack before crossing the swollen Laramie River in a very realistic re-encatment of covered wagon days. The emotional climax came with a battalion of infantry and a 75-piece band from Fort Francis E. Warren, staging a retreat ceremony, posting guards, and playing patriotic music to evoke mystic memories of the once-great military post amid its present ruins. Fox Movietone motion picture crews recorded these scenes, complete with sound effects. [43]

While the celebration demonstrated plenty of enthusiasm, and the new Fort Laramie Historical Society signed on 200 new members at $1. per head, after everyone had gone home the same old acquisition problem was still there. There was no money in sight and the land-owners, though agreeable to permitting the jubilee, had little interest in forced sale. [44]

The local advisory committee of the Landmark Commission next thought to check out the War Department, having heard that they had something to do with "monuments." The committee contacted Senator Kendrick and Congressman Carter who requested a military inspection of the forsaken Fort. Accordingly, in September, 1930 a Colonel Landers was dispatched to make a survey of the remains. Evidently the upshot of this polite exercise was a suggestion that, in accordance with its custom of marking selected old sites and battlefields, the War Department might contribute a monument of some sort if suitable land could be donated, However, this would be merely another stone monument, not the historical park kind of a "national monument" that Ellison and others envisioned. [45] Needless to relate, the Lander investigation was not fraught with portent or consequences. The Interior Department which had inherited the Fort in 1890, not the War Department which had abandoned it, would become the Fort's ultimate redeemer.

In 1931 there was one more abortive proposal for returning the Old Fort to military status. Officers of the National Guard, then encamped at Pole Mountain, publicly announced "that Old Fort Laramie is practically the unanimous choice of the officer personnel as a site of future camps." Editors Flannery and Houser were all for the proposition. [46] In retrospect, however, it is difficult to imagine how the Old Fort could actually have survived such usage. Fortunately the permanent National Guard camp was eventually located at Guernsey.

On June 7, 1931 the Historical Landmark Commission of Wyoming (HLCW) held a special meeting at Fort Laramie at the instigation of Committee Chairman Houser "to discuss the acquisition of the fort by the Commission as a historical landmark." Ex-Governor Bryant B. Brooks of Casper was now Chairman, (and) vice (president) Ellison who had moved to Oklahoma to pursue his career in oil. Also present were Dan W. Greenburg, new Publicity Director of the Commission; John C. Thompson of the Cheyenne Tribune; several prominent Nebraskans; the entire advisory committee; and Fort Laramie old-timers Malcom Campbell (1867); Bert Wagner (1869); George L. Wilson (1873); and Deadwood Stagecoach alumni Fred Sullivan and Ernest Logan. After a tour of the premises led by knowledgeable Paul Henderson of Bridgeport, Nebraska, the party of over 100 were "guests of the advisory committee at a delicious chicken dinner served by Mrs. George Sandercock" on the rambling porch of the old officer's quarters which was her home.

After the feast the Commission got down to brass tacks with Mr. Waters who had come out from Omaha, the Commission now being fortified with the knowledge that the State Legislature had just appropriated $15,000 "for the purchase and preservation of Fort Laramie." [47] Waters took the position that he had always hoped to make his home there. Nevertheless "he had no desire to profit at the expense of the State or to capitalize upon the sentimental value of Old Fort Laramie," and he would sell for an amount sufficient only to protect his investment. This would be $22,500 for all of his 640 acres. Brooks explained that the Commission had authorization only to dicker for the 20 odd acres containing Waters' share of the Fort grounds in question, and then explained the Commission's right to exercise eminent domain. This evidently terminated the discussion. Subsequently it was decided that, just to be on the safe side, the local committee should conduct a re-survey for an alternate boundary enclosing around 100 acres, "including the old graveyard," which would double the size of the hypothetical park. [48]

Later in the year, when the Commission met at Torrington to dedicate an Oregon Trail marker there by the Burlington depot, they considered letters from J. W. Auld and M. S. Hartman offering to sell their land at the offered prices, but action had to be deferred in the absence of a similar offer from Waters, Hartman's co-owner. [49]

In view of Waters' intransigence, early in 1932 at the Commission's request the State Attorney-General instituted condemnation proceedings against the several owners. This move had the endorsement of the Fort Laramie Commercial Club, the Fort Laramie Mayor and Council, and the State American Legion. [50] A new Board of Appraisers appointed by the Court now came up with a firm figure of $11,600 for a proposed area of 55 acres, or about $250. per acre, well within the $15,000 set aside for the purpose, the balance to go for sundry expenses. [51] The turn of events prompted the Scout to rhapsodize:

. . . In spite of its ravishment, Old Fort Laramie can still be made the nation's most outstanding and interesting monument to early western history, and if the present movement to bring that about is successful, it will be an achievement for which the Wyoming Historical Landmark Commission and the last session of the Wyoming legislature will probably be remembered long after most of the other acts of those august bodies have been forgotten by posterity. [52]

Though court proceedings were delayed through 1933, the Commission and its local committee also exuded optimism, primarily because of the slump in land values resulting from the Depression, and a conviction that the owners would come around to settling out of court. In December Dan Greenburg, anticipating victory, suggested that the Commission "take it up with Mr. Cameron [sic], Director General of the National Parks, making a letter proposition of deeding the Fort to the Government, providing they would rehabilitate it as soon as possible to its original condition when abandoned, and to tie it in with the regular park service." Invited to their deliberations Governor Leslie Miller said he was personally acquainted with Mr. Cammerer and would be glad to do all he could to "promote the proposition." He also admonished the Commission to "take it up with Senator O'Mahoney and Congressman Carter." [53] These rosy thoughts were quickly dispelled by events in Torrington, and evidence is lacking that the Park Service was actually contacted at this time.

The unhappy outcome is summarized in minutes of the meeting held at the Trail Hotel in Torrington February 23, 1934. The Commission and Attorney-General Ray Lee met with the owners' attorneys to clarify the point that the Commission would go no further than the appraised value, regardless of a court decision:

. . . After many hours of discussion the attorney for Jessica Auld, part owner of the tract, and the attorney for Molly Sandercock, were willing to accept the proposition. But the attorney for Waters and Hartman, who owned the major part of the property, said he would get in touch with his clients and let us know their decision before the day was over. The Commission, however, did not hear from him, as his clients asked for a jury trial, and this trial was held. . . the following week. . . The jury after some deliberation brought in a verdict of an appraised valuation to the owners of $500. an acre. This, of course, eliminated the purchase in any form by the Historical Landmark Commission. [54]

While no one came up with a theory as to why the jury doubled the appraised value (from around $12,000 to $25,000) one might speculate that the jury itself was made up of land-owners who, when the chips were down, preferred to see actual land values at a higher rather than a lower rate. However, Chairman Brooks pointed out that the original appropriation bill called for $25,000, afterwards reduced by the Governor to $15,000; the owners knew of this switch and were thus encouraged to "set up an exhorbitant price for their holdings." [55]

Given the resounding success of the 1930 celebration at the Fort one would have supposed that 1934 would see another such affair, perhaps on an even larger scale, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Fort Laramie, the log stockade called Fort William by its founders, William Sublette and Robert Campbell. Indeed, Dr. Driggs of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association urged that something like this be promoted, and the idea was seriously entertained by the Fort Laramie Advisory Committee. But as it turned out there was no 1934 celebration of any kind, presumably because spirits had been dampened by the outcome of the condemnation proceedings. [56]

Though discouragement was probably at a record low at this time, coinciding with the severely depressed state of the national economy, a new ferment was beginning to bubble, a thrust of Government which promised somehow to rescue Fort Laramie from its threatened oblivion. This was the phenomenon known as the New Deal, the beginning of a still-dominant paternalistic trend by Congress and the Federal bureaucracy reflecting a philosophy of direct Government action to remedy all economic ills. Beginning in 1934 there was a series of Government programs calculated to promote public works and relieve unemployment. Although as it turned out Fort Laramie couldn't be brought under any of these emergency umbrellas, the continuing effort to do so kept hope alive during the critical three-year period, 1934-1936, before a real break-through could be achieved. During this period the indefatigable L. G. Flannery and other ardent advocates took the initiative away, temporarily, from the Historical Landmark Commission.

The earliest work relief programs of interest to Fort defenders were tied in with the National Park Service and Scotts Bluff National Monument, about 50 miles east in Western Nebraska. While the origins of the concept of tying various North Platte Valley historic sites together for park purposes may be traced back to the abortive Congressional proposal of 1925 aforementioned, the idea gained momentum with a visit to the region in September, 1932 by Horace M. Albright, Director of the Park Service. After meeting Nebraska civic leaders at Scotts Bluff National Monument to outline development plans there, Albright met with Wyoming newspapermen in Guernsey. According to Flannery,

The purpose behind Director Albright's visit and these meetings, as we understand it, was to forward a movement to include Scottsbluff Monument, Old Fort Laramie, Lake Guernsey, the famous Spanish Diggings, and many other interesting historical places of the community in the national parks system, and thus receive federal aid in their development. [57]

In July, 1933 a similar pilgrimage was made by H. C. Bryant, Assistant Director, National Park Service, in charge of "Education," He echoed the current party line for a catch-all historical park:

Mr. Bryant indicated that the proposition is looked upon with favor by the parks service, and that Scotts Bluff might be the central headquarters of the area.

He said the reconstruction and employment relief programs of the national government will probably make considerable money available for roads and park construction, and that the national parks service is paying more and more attention to the historical and educational side of national parks development — and from the historical viewpoint this valley is truly a rich field, with Old Fort Laramie outstanding. [58]