CASPER, WY — The Fort Caspar Museum will be featured on the City of Casper Historic Preservation Commission’s 2027 Christmas ornament. The ornament, the fourth in an annual series that has previously highlighted Natrona County High School, the historic Wyoming National Bank building (now the M Building), and the Rialto Theater, celebrates the fort’s deep roots in the community.
Why Fort Caspar?
According to a commission release, Fort Caspar was chosen for its historic significance and its connection to the very name of the city. The fort served as a vital waypoint for migrants traveling the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California and Pony Express trails in the 1860s, making it a cornerstone of regional heritage.
Ornament Details and Funding
Each year the commission produces only 250 numbered ornaments, and this year they are priced at $20 each. All sales are handled through the Fort Caspar Museum’s gift shop, and any proceeds go toward two primary goals: funding future ornament productions and providing financial assistance for homeowners and businesses seeking historic plaques for their properties.
Some ornaments from previous years remain available, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of Casper’s historic‑preservation legacy.
Fort Caspar’s History
The original Fort Caspar was erected in the 1860s as a military outpost. After the fort’s structures were dismantled, the materials were reused at Fort Fetterman. The present‑day reconstruction was completed in 1936 as part of a Works Progress Administration project. The fort bears the name of Lt. Caspar Collins, who fell in battle against Cheyenne and Lakota Oglala Sioux warriors. A historic misspelling rendered the name “Casper,” which was corrected when the fort was rebuilt in the 1930s.
Community Impact
By spotlighting Fort Caspar, the commission not only honors a key piece of local heritage but also encourages residents to engage with preservation efforts. The ornament program has become a beloved seasonal tradition, fostering pride in Casper’s unique past while generating practical support for ongoing historic‑preservation initiatives.
Visitors to the Fort Caspar Museum can purchase the ornament in person, and the museum’s staff are available to answer questions about the fort’s history, the ornament design process, and how the funds will be applied to future projects.
Looking Ahead
The commission plans to continue the ornament series for years to come, each year selecting a landmark that reflects Casper’s cultural fabric. The 2027 Fort Caspar ornament serves as a reminder that preserving the past strengthens the community’s identity and inspires future generations to value their shared heritage.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
