Residents of Sheridan, Wyoming, stepped out on September 2 for a special program that combined education, faith, and community pride. The annual hike to the Fort Phil Kearny Cemetery—an abandoned yet hallowed ground dating back to the 1860s—offered participants a chance to walk the very soil where early soldiers and settlers were laid to rest.
Why the cemetery matters
Established in 1866, the cemetery was created almost immediately after the Army’s arrival at Fort Phil Kearny. Lieutenant Warrens, the assistant quartermaster, drafted a detailed landscape drawing, a ground plan, and an inventory of graves two years later. He sent those documents to the Quartermaster General of the United States, preserving a record of the site’s original purpose.
Today, the cemetery is fenced with a simple white picket fence, and only two graves remain inside. Those graves serve as a tangible reminder of the frontier sacrifices that helped shape Wyoming’s early communities.
Community involvement
The event was organized by local volunteers, members of the Sheridan Historical Society, and a few nearby churches that see the cemetery as a place of reverence. Before the hike began, participants gathered for a brief prayer, acknowledging the sacred nature of the ground and asking for guidance as they explored the past.
Guides shared stories of the soldiers who once guarded the fort, the challenges of frontier life, and the role the cemetery played in honoring those who died far from home. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on the importance of preserving such sites for future generations, a sentiment that resonates strongly with families who value heritage and faith.
Preserving the past for future generations
While the cemetery is no longer an active burial ground, the annual hike underscores a broader community effort to protect historic landmarks. Local leaders have expressed support for continued maintenance, noting that preserving these sites aligns with the values of family, faith, and liberty that define Sheridan.
“Our history is a gift from those who came before us,” said one longtime resident who helped organize the event. “By walking these grounds, we teach our children the importance of honoring sacrifice and staying rooted in our Christian heritage.”
The program concluded with a moment of silence, followed by a modest reception where participants could share memories and discuss ways to support ongoing preservation efforts. Organizers hope the hike will become a yearly tradition, reinforcing the community’s commitment to remembering its past while looking forward to a hopeful future.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
