Bridger Mountains (Wyoming) facts for kids
The Bridger Mountains are a mountain range located in the middle of Wyoming, United States. They stretch for about 40 miles (64 kilometers) and are a smaller part of the huge Rocky Mountains. These mountains connect two other ranges: the Owl Creek Mountains to the west and the southern end of the Bighorn Mountains to the east. The Wind River flows through a gap near the Owl Creek Mountains, and Bridger Creek passes through a gap near the Bighorns. The tallest point in this range is Copper Mountain, which reaches about 8,300 feet (2,530 meters) high.
Who were the Bridger Mountains named after?
The Bridger Mountains are named after a famous explorer and mountain man named Jim Bridger. In 1864, Jim Bridger created a path through these mountains called the Bridger Trail. This trail helped people travel from southern Wyoming into an area known as the Bighorn Basin.
The Bridger Trail
The Bridger Trail was an important route for settlers and travelers. It helped them move across the land more easily. Jim Bridger was known for his knowledge of the American West. He helped many people find their way through the wilderness.
A Historical Event: Bates Battlefield
In the eastern part of the Bridger Mountains, there is a place called Bates Creek. This area was the site of a significant historical event on July 4, 1874. During this event, U.S. Army soldiers from Camp Brown (which is now Fort Washakie) and 167 Shoshone scouts had a conflict with the village of Chief Black Coal, who was a leader of the Northern Arapaho people. This event is remembered as the Bates Battlefield.
