6. Old Bedlam

The building identified as Old Bedlam on the map of the Fort grounds was built in 1849 and is the oldest military building at Fort Laramie. To many people it is and was the symbol of Fort Laramie. It was originally designed to be a bachelor officers quarters, but served many other purposes during the 41-year history of the Fort. For several years it was Post Headquarters. Most of the people important in the drama of the westward expansion of the United States stood in its rooms or walked its halls.

The North side of Old Bedlam has been restored to the early 1854-1855 when it was a bachelor officer’s quarters. The furnishings reflect the spartan atmosphere of the Fort at that time. The officers would have employed an enlisted man, called a striker, to cook their meals, order their quarters, and assist them with daily tasks. The striker’s room has also been restored.

The South side of the building has been refurnished to the years 1863-1864 when it was Post Headquarters and the residence of the Post Commander, Colonel William O. Collins of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. At that time, the Civil War was raging back East and Regular Army troops had been withdrawn from the frontier forts to serve in that conflict. State volunteer regiments supplied troops for Fort Laramie. The lower floor of this side of Old Bedlam housed Post Headquarters and the officer’s mess. The top floor was the residence of Colonel Collins and his wife.