 |
Howdy %%FIRST:Partner%%
Bozeman Trail Days 2006
2006 is the 140th anniversary of the construction of Fort Phil Kearny and the Fetterman Battle, and thus Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Association is focused on telling the history through speakers, tours, displays, programs, and other activities. Bozeman Trail Days begins July 28th with an evening of conversation, comrodery, dinner and informative speeches/discussion, beginning at 5:30 at the Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, WY, with speakers from opposite ends of the spectrum describing the fort and the fight. Kevin O’Dell, archaeologist, will speak on methods of 1860’s military construction and the information he uncovered during two years of archaeological studies of the Fetterman Battlefield. Jo Ann White, the Arapaho Tribe Historic Preservation Officer, will talk about the Native American way of life, describing the tribes’ ancestral history, culture, and perspectives on Fort Phil Kearny and the Fetterman Fight. July 29th shifts to Fort Phil Kearny, with members of Wyoming State Park’s construction crew demonstrating how logs were prepared, different types of cuts, the tools and techniques and building methods used by soldiers to construct the fort. Dave Osmundson, the president of Kearny’s Frontier Regulars and a black-smith demonstrates the processes, and types of tools used to produce the necessary metal objects used to complete the fort’s construction. Living History demonstrations and actors will exhibit an encampment similar to that which existed during the fort’s construction, consisting of the different types of tents used for an officer, officer with family, and tents for enlisted men, a civilian, cook and possibly tents for Sutter, a laundress, tipis, and other living quarters and necessities established when starting a new frontier post. In addition to the military camp, soldiers will present on weapons tactic, drill, uniforms, and marching equipment. Additionally food and drink will be catered throughout the day, including dinner into the evening, with scheduled activities to end at 5 p.m. with the flag retreat ceremony. On Sunday July 30th events begin with a Flag Raising Ceremony at 8:30, followed with Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry demonstrations. The encampment provides visitors a chance to try the breakfast leftovers of salt-pork and hardtack. The 140th Anniversary Tour of the Fetterman Fight begins around 10:00, with a brief description of fort activities on the morning of Dec 21st, 1866. Followed with travel by personal vehicle to the Fetterman Battlefield, where Frontier Regular and CO I, U.S members will depict Fetterman’s command and lead the way down the ridge. Tour guide/s describe tactics, and movements about the co-combatants attitudes towards their enemy, weapons used, activities of soldiers and the reasoning. The tour group follows behind the military group, who is following Fetterman’s route as we understand it. As mounted soldiers reach the creek the battle starts, with Native Americans advancing from ambush locations as described by oral history accounts, following routes of their forefathers as close as described accounts, present roads, fences, or other modern developments allow. Guides will explain which tribes are advancing and from where, again based on oral history accounts. As the soldiers retreat and Indians advance, the guides with the tour group will move with them describing the action until everyone is back at the monument where Living History participants describe their equipment, clothing, regalia, and weapons. We are working with two Native American Tribes, the Lakota, and Arapaho to acquire participants, along with mounted and dismounted soldiers, and perhaps a civilian. 
This year’s Bozeman Trail Days events, programs, tours, and symposium will greatly enhance those who have followed Fort Phil Kearny’s history and that of the Fetterman Battle. We have gained a great deal of knowledge over the recent years through archaeology and new documents, with this information greatly changing some of the understanding of the fort and battlefield’s history. This Bozeman Trail Days gives attendees a chance to see the new area, with its challenges and opportunities and make comments, suggestions and provide input to the development of the lands. Additional 2006 events coming to Fort Phil Kearny include a 7 pm tour at the Wagon Box Fight on August 7 - the 139th anniversary to this fight. And don’t forget the annual Fetterman Tour, December 21st, beginning at 9:30 am at the fort. This 140th anniversary includes additional activities and presentations. Be sure to dress warm!
Penny L. Becker, Executive Director For lodging accommodations: www.sheridanwyoming.org/lodging |
 |