Bozeman Trail in Wyoming facts for kids

The Bozeman Trail was a famous route used by pioneers and gold seekers in the 1860s. It stretched through parts of Wyoming, connecting the Oregon Trail to the gold fields in Montana. Today, several important parts of this historic trail in Wyoming are protected and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These special sections often show clear signs of the old trail, like deep ruts made by wagon wheels, especially where the path narrowed down to cross rivers or climb hills.

The Historic Bozeman Trail in Wyoming

The Bozeman Trail was a very important path in the American West. It was used in the 1860s by thousands of people. They traveled from the Oregon Trail in Wyoming all the way to the gold fields in Montana. This trail was shorter than other routes. However, it passed through lands used by Native American tribes. This often led to conflicts.

Today, many parts of the Bozeman Trail are recognized for their history. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are protected so future generations can learn from them. These protected sections often show clear signs of the old trail. You can sometimes see deep ruts left by wagon wheels. These ruts are clearest where the trail had to cross a stream or climb a hill.

Exploring Important Trail Sections

Several specific parts of the Bozeman Trail in Converse County, Wyoming are especially well-preserved. Each section tells a unique story about the trail's past. They give us clues about what life was like for the travelers.

Antelope Creek Crossing

The Antelope Creek crossing is also known as the Spring Draw Segment. This part of the Bozeman Trail shows clear wagon ruts. These ruts lead down to where the trail crossed Antelope Creek. In 1877, a stagecoach station was built here. It even had a blacksmith shop. This station was a vital stop for travelers. This historic spot was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 23, 1989. Coordinates: 43°25′45″N 105°48′28″W / 43.42917°N 105.80778°W / 43.42917; -105.80778

Holdup Hollow Segment

The Holdup Hollow segment of the Bozeman Trail is another preserved section. It is famous for its many wheel rut pathways. The area includes a spot called Holdup Hollow. This place was known as a favorite location for stagecoach robberies. Imagine the excitement and danger travelers faced here! This site was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 23, 1989. Coordinates: 43°05′39″N 105°42′50″W / 43.09417°N 105.71389°W / 43.09417; -105.71389

Ross Flat Segment

The Ross Flat segment of the Bozeman Trail is a pathway that climbs up a hill. It starts from the Wind Creek area in Converse County. Then it goes up to a flat area on a ridge called Ross Flat. About 3.3 miles (5.3 km) of the trail are protected in this section. This part of the trail shows how challenging the journey could be. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 23, 1989. Coordinates: 43°29′26″N 105°49′49″W / 43.49056°N 105.83028°W / 43.49056; -105.83028

Sage Creek Station

Sage Creek Station was an important resting and watering place on the trail. It was a safe spot, protected by ridges. Travelers could get fresh water from Sage Creek. This made it a perfect stop for the first night after leaving Fort Fetterman. A stagecoach station was also located here in the 1870s. You can still find old trash and debris left by people who passed through. This site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 23, 1989.

Stinking Water Gulch Segment

The Stinking Water Gulch segment of the Bozeman Trail has some of the best-preserved trail ruts. It is located in a very scenic area. Here, the trail crossed Stinking Water Creek. The clear ruts help us imagine the wagons moving along this historic path. This beautiful and important location was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 23, 1989. Coordinates: 43°45′38″N 105°41′12″W / 43.76056°N 105.68667°W / 43.76056; -105.68667