News Release

Annual “Old-Fashioned” Fourth of July Activities at the Fort will be Curtailed

Preparing to raise the flag on July 4th.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 15, 2020

Contact: Eric Valencia, 307-837-2221 ext. 3011

Fort Laramie, WY – Fort Laramie National Historic Site will be curtailing its Annual “Old-Fashioned” Fourth of July celebration. The majority of traditional games, programs and performances will be on hold this year to meet health and safety guidance.

Fort Laramie National Historic Site continues to work with state and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to curtail Fourth of July activities is based on the guidance provided by local public health authorities. Fort Laramie NHS is committed to returning this annual community event to its traditional activities in 2021 and looks forward to providing the public with safe visitor services and activities throughout the summer of 2020.   

Fort Laramie NHS will still observe Independence Day with the following activities:

• A 9:30 am military flag-raising ceremony.
• A noon, 38-gun salute will be presented at the flagpole, including the firing of the park`s 12-pound Mountain Howitzer.
• A 2 pm artillery demonstration at the artillery range north of the visitor center.
• The day will end with a "final bang" as park staff recreates an 1876 period retreat parade and cannon firing for the lowering of our national colors at 5:15 pm.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Fort Laramie NHS, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored to ensure a are safe and clean environment for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

The following services are currently accessible to the public at Fort Laramie NHS:

• Park Grounds within the Historic District remains open sunrise to sunset
• Confluence Trail
• “Old Bedlam”, Captains Quarters, Lt. Colonel’s Quarters (Burt House), Post Trader’s Store
• Visitor contact stations throughout park grounds
• Specific restrooms

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• Visitor Center
• Specific historic structures and restrooms

The NPS encourages people to take advantage of the many digital tools available to explore. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with Fort Laramie NHS for specific details about park operations. For more information visit the park website at www.nps.gov/fola or call the park at 307-837-2221. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.