Fort Sanders was located three miles south of Laramie. It was established as a military post on July 19, 1866. Known first as Fort John Buford, after General John Buford, who died December 16, 1863, this fort was later named for General William P. Sanders. General Sanders died from wounds received in the battle at Knoxville, Tennesse in November 1863. Fort Sanders was built to protect the Overland Trail and the construction of the Union Pacific Railway from hostile Indian attacks. (WPA) Named for Brig. General Wm. P. Sanders of Mississippi who was killed at Knoxville, Tennessee, November, 1863. (Annals of Wyoming 14:3)
Other Names:
Fort Buford, Fort John Buford
County:
Albany
Feature Category:
Manmade Features
More Reading:
A history of Fort Sanders, Wyoming. Revere, Ray. Thesis (M.A.); University of Wyoming, 1960.
