CASPER, WY — After years of diligent research and generous community support, the Fort Caspar Museum has placed the final 19 headstones in its historic soldier memorial. The project, which began in 2023, now marks 61 soldiers who gave their lives while serving at the 19th‑century military outpost that later became the city of Casper.
Local historian drives the effort
Local historian and author Johanna Wickman spearheaded the undertaking. Over the past four years she devoted hundreds of hours to genealogical research and combed through centuries‑old military records to identify the men buried at the site. Before the project began, the museum displayed only 11 headstones, including one for city namesake Caspar Collins.
New headstones honor multiple regiments
The latest installation added 18 headstones for members of the 11th Ohio Cavalry and one for Edwin Summers of the 11th Kansas Cavalry, whose service was uncovered through Wickman’s continued research. The memorial now represents soldiers from the 11th Ohio Cavalry, 11th Kansas Cavalry, 6th West Virginia Cavalry, 6th Michigan Cavalry, 6th U.S. Infantry, 18th U.S. Infantry and 7th Iowa Cavalry.
Stories behind the names
Wickman says the work has become deeply personal. Among the honored are Sebastian Nehring, a Prussian immigrant who struggled to understand a retreat order; Ephraim Ashburn, a former Civil War POW who later died of scurvy during the harsh winter of 1865; and Osmer Cole, a one‑handed soldier who fell in a skirmish after his pistol jammed. “There’s been human connections through this project. It’s so much more than just names on lists,” she said.
Community funding makes it possible
The phased approach was driven by community donations. Contributions came from local residents, veterans’ organizations, and, in some cases, descendants of the soldiers who fully funded their ancestors’ markers. “It’s like the community has buy‑in on this now, as they’ve all participated,” Wickman noted. “These guys died out here before there was a Casper. … And 160 years later, people from Casper are donating to support them.”
Future enhancements
In addition to the headstones, the museum added a walking path that ends at two new benches, providing a reflective space for visitors. The project will conclude in spring 2027 when informational signage is installed along the path. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for June 19, 2027.
Looking ahead
Wickman is compiling the soldiers’ stories into a book slated for publication next year, with partial funding from the Natrona County Recreation Joint Powers Board. She hopes the work will remind residents that “their service matters, even if it was a long time ago,” and that there is “no expiration date on military service.”
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
