William and Mary Carter arrived at Fort Bridger with the army, in the capacity of post traders.
William set up business at the edge of the fort. His first building was ell shaped, with the back portion the post general store.
Standing at the far side of the above building and looking at the street, this area was occupied by the biggest part of the building, the tavern. In western times, the tavern or saloon was not just a bar, it was a meeting place where business was conducted on a daily basis.
Carter was an entrepreneur, always looking for the next new thing. Over the years, a post office, telegraph office and telephone were added to the general store.
In the area next to and behind the general store is another ell-shaped building which housed a mess hall ((restaurant), store warehouse, butcher shop and cold meat storage.
Behind it is the ice house,
and running to the left the carriage house
stables and chicken house. The stables were used free of charge by the Pony Express.
Also on the grounds are the first school, milk house and laundry with a washing machine.
After the fort was abandoned the Carter family continued to run the businesses for emigrants, railroad builders, soldiers, cattlemen, and Indians.
In 1913 the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway, opened the area to automobile tourists. In the 1930's cabins with carports were available for travelers.
Outside the Fort Bridger State Historic Park, the area still had various businesses that make it a modern trading post.
Hiking tomorrow.
Louise and Duane
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