War Bridge

by Jon Burch Photography

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Price

$700

Dimensions

24.000 x 16.000 inches

Title

War Bridge

Artist

Jon Burch Photography

Medium

Photograph - Digital Capture And Enhancement

Description

Once broad and turbulent, the North Platte River posed a formidable obstacle to 19th century travelers. High water made it nearly impossible to cross the river for several months each year. The crossing became less dangerous by 1850 when ferry service was established to meet the growing volume of military and emigrant traffic. Frequent ferry accidents and slow crossing speeds continued to impede travelers until a permanent bridge was built.

Following the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, which set up the "Great Sioux Reservation," huge amounts of supplies were needed to provision the newly established Indian agencies. Businessmen in Cheyenne quickly recognized the lucrative opportunities. To insure that the supply route between Cheyenne and the agencies remained the most practical one, Wyoming congressman W.R. Steele convinced Congress to fund the construction of a bridge across the North Platte River.

The discovery of gold in the Black Hills led thousands of fortune hunters to cross the Fort Laramie Bridge into the Great Sioux Reservation, in violation of the Treaty of 1868. Efforts to negotiate the Lakota to sell the Black Hills failed, resulting in open warfare in 1876. The military used the bridge to move troops and supplies needed to engage the Northern Plains Nation. Ultimately, the tribes were subjugated and their lands taken. It was the end of a way of life and an era.

Image copyright 2016 Jon Burch Photography.

Uploaded

November 24th, 2016

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