Jim Baker Cabin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Baker, Jim, Cabin
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Jim Baker Cabin in 2014
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Location | Off WY 70, Savery, Wyoming |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1873 |
| Built by | Jim Baker |
| Architectural style | Log Cabin |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001830 |
| Added to NRHP | November 8, 1982 |
The Jim Baker Cabin is a historic log building in Savery, Wyoming. A famous frontiersman named Jim Baker built it in 1873. It was designed to be a strong, protected home near the Little Snake River. The cabin has two stories and is made of thick logs. It measures about 31 feet (9.4 meters) long and 16 feet (4.9 meters) wide. The walls are built from logs that are 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) thick.
Contents
The Life of Jim Baker
Early Adventures in the West
Jim Baker was a well-known frontiersman. In 1839, he joined the American Fur Company for a long trip to Wyoming. He traveled with another famous explorer, Jim Bridger. After a short visit home in Illinois, Baker returned to the Rocky Mountains in 1841.
He joined a group of trappers near the Little Snake River. This group had a difficult encounter with a much larger group of Native Americans. After this event, the trappers moved to Bridger's camp on the Green River.
A Life as a Trapper and Scout
Jim Baker stayed in the western United States as a trapper until 1852. He also went on a trip with Kit Carson, another famous frontiersman. Baker was very skilled and worked as an interpreter and a scout, helping people find their way and understand different languages.
He was one of the first people to live permanently near what is now Denver, Colorado. From 1859 to 1871, his family lived there, though Jim Baker himself often traveled for his work. In 1873, Baker and his family moved to the Little Snake valley in Wyoming. He lived there until he passed away on May 15, 1898.
Protecting the Cabin
Moving and Restoring a Landmark
People became interested in saving Jim Baker's cabin in 1917. The state of Wyoming bought it to make sure it stayed in Wyoming. The cabin was carefully taken apart and moved to Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Later, in 1973, the cabin was moved again. This time, it was placed very close to its original spot in Savery. This helped to restore its historical setting.
A Place on the National Register
Because of its importance, the Jim Baker Cabin was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 8, 1982. This listing helps protect the cabin and recognizes its value as a historical site.
