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Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Devil's Gate and Fort Seminoe by Zina Abbott


Not far from Devil’s Gate, two fur traders, Charles Lajeunesse and his business partner, Auguste Archambault, built their trading post called Fort Seminoe in 1852. Seminoe comes from Simonot, or “Little Simon,” the French Catholic baptismal name of fur trader, Charles Lajeunesse. 

The pair sold to wagon trains heading west, serviced the mail, and the military companies traveling back and forth across the plains. This trading fort operated only during the summer months. Each winter, the partners returned to St. Louis, Missouri.

 

The fort was built with fourteen buildings formed in a U shape. Besides the main trading post, Fort Seminoe included a blacksmith shop, a horse corral, a cattle yard, storerooms, and living quarters for the family of Lajeunesse, Archambault, and other traders who operated at the post. Travelers who stopped by the fort were able to buy provisions and hardware. They were also able to exchange their worn-out cattle for healthy livestock.

Fort Seminoe to South Pass

For three years, they traded with passing wagon trains during the summer and returned to St. Louis, Missouri, for the winter. In the fall of 1855, with traffic along the trail subsiding and a fight between the Sioux and the U.S. Army looming, Lajeunesse left his trading post for good.


The fort burned down in 1862. The site faded from knowledge, but in 2001, the actual fort site was discovered. After careful research, Fort Seminoe was rebuilt in 2002 near its original location. Inside are exhibits that tell the story of the French trapper’s trading post, as well as the history of what took place at the fort after it was abandoned. The story of how these buildings became a haven after its role of a trading fort ended will be featured in next month’s post.

To see photos of the reconstructed fort as well as information about how it was used following its abandonment, please CLICK HERE.

 


Pearl
was my first book published in the Prairie Roses Collection (2022). Many of the same characters are in both Pearl and Clara. It also included the part of the story where the wagon train traveled passed Devil’s Gate as the wagons crossed the Sweetwater River nine times before reaching South Pass. The book is available as an ebook and in paperback, and also at no additional cost with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. To find the book description for Pearl and the purchase options, please CLICK HERE


Clara is a wagon train story. This book picks up Clara’s romance after the wagon train has already traveled the trail through Sweetwater River valley. The book is currently available for purchase as an ebook or at no additional cost with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. To find the book description and purchase options, please CLICK HERE


 

Sources:

Thompson, Julie Nichols, “The Winter Guard at Fort Seminoe,” Tales of Triumph. (Salt Lake City, Utah: International Society of Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 2022), pgs. 121-122.

https://www.northamericanforts.com/West/wy.html#seminoe

https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/content/historic-sites/wyoming/fort-seminoe?lang=eng

Monday, May 22, 2023

Ever Heard of Wray, Colorado?

 Post by Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Image of Pawnee National Grasslands
from Wikipedia 

A few years ago Colorado, in an effort to showcase the diverse aspects of my adopted state, divided the area into unique groupings. Over the next few posts, I will be focusing on what is called the "Pioneering Plains". This region is made up of those towns that many miss in their history of Colorado. 

The Plains also play a big part in some of my novels. It is an area of rich history from the early settlers, railroads, and ranching. 

As I journey through the histories and people who traversed and or stayed, I hope you enjoy the trip with me. 

Some of the towns I will be 'visiting' are: Brush, Limon, Fort Morgan, Burlington,

Julesburg, Ovid, Paoli, Wray, Stratton, Kit Carson, and Yuma.

Colorado: Prior to statehood
Image from Wikipedia

The Visitor Guide for the region describes the area as follows:

The Colorado Plains, spanning the eastern region of the state, are characterized by a sweeping landscape of prairies, grasslands, and gentle hills. Nestled between the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Great Plains to the east, this diverse terrain boasts an area of charming towns, and historical sites, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage and natural beauty that define the Colorado Plains.

So sit back, grab a drink, and starting next month we are going to take a trip into history. Buckle up.

Until Next Time: Stay safe, Stay happy, and Stay healthy.

Doris