"Fort Laramie was first settled by fur traders and Native Americans. A fur trading post was established on the Laramie River about three miles southwest from the present town in 1834. The federal government bought it in 1849 and established a military post to provide some protection for many traveling west. AlI the trails, Oregon, California, Mormon, and the Pony Express passed through here. 

The military fort was decommissioned in 1890 and the buildings and houses were sold to civilians living next to and at the old post or in the area. One month after this, Wyoming became the 44th state. The "old" fort became the community of Fort Laramie. All events and celebrations occurred at Fort Laramie with people coming from fifteen or more miles around. 

When the railroad came through on the north side of the Platte River in the early 1900's it established "Fort Laramie Station" to serve the community of Fort Laramie three miles southwest. Also, the Army Iron Bridge was the only crossing of the North Platte. World War I came about and slowed any development until about 1921 and the area was suffering from poor economics as well. 

The Lincoln Land Company, a subsidiary of the railroad, established a town plat, sold lots, and encouraged people to settle. Businesses were established. They included a general store, lumber yard, hotel, and others. Soon the Post Office was move from the "old" to the "new " Fort Laramie which encouraged more to live here, and access to the railroad being an important factor. 

The current town was incorporated in 1925 and a town owned electric system was set up to provide electricity. Schools had been established by the state by 1900 and passenger train service came around 1914. 

The name Laramie comes from the name of the first "courier-du-bois" fur trader/mountain man named Jacque LaRamee for whom the Laramie river and many other places are named. 

Even though economic times were not great in this area, Fort Laramie did grow some in the "Roaring Twenties" thanks to the development of irrigation projects by the Bureau of Reclamation. Then came 1929. Everything slowed way down. World War II came and many went to serve. Also, Fort Laramie (the old post) had become a National Monument in 1938. Interestingly, there were only three telephones in Fort Laramie until about 1945.

 U.S. Highway 26 came through during the 20s and provided connection to places east and west. The population remained at around 250 to 300 persons for many years. 

Fort Laramie offers a rich history and important past, as it is where everyone going west for many years came through. It is home to many important Indian-US Treaties, and the early development of the State of Wyoming."