| The Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail
Association was established in 1985 to further public education relating to military and
native american history of the Bozeman Trail region, to foster an awareness of our
national heritage, and to provide for the enjoyment and education of present and future
generations. Our efforts include the preservation, development and promotion of
various historic sites along the Bozeman Trail, particularly Fort Phil Kearny, the Wagon
Box and Fetterman Battles, and other related sites, always preserving historical
integrity. The Association works
closely with the State of Wyoming, particularly the State Parks and Cultural Resources
Department, the Lakota (Sioux), Cheyenne and Crow Indian Tribes, Indian wars scholars, as
well as federal agencies, related national organizations and individuals interested in the
historical preservation of these sites. (see www.philkearny.vcn.com)
The Association is incorporated as a
non-profit organization in Wyoming, and received its' non-profit designation as an
educational organization. Consistent with Association bylaws, a two-county governing
board, representing the fact that the sites are located in both Johnson and Sheridan
Counties, and a nationwide advisory board is established.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION
- Obtained funding from the State Legislature for
costs of operations, maintenance and staffing, under the jurisdiction of what is now
the Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites Department.
- Initiated a land trade between Texaco Inc. and
the State of Wyoming to give the State additional land at Fetterman Ridge and at Fort Phil
Kearny.
- Obtained a building as a gift from the First
Interstate Banks of Wyoming and Montana and gave the building to the State for use as a
Visitors Center and Museum.
- Obtained grant money from the Peter Kiewit
Foundation of Omaha, Nebraska, for building remodeling, promotion, displays, a model of
the fort, and other items.
- Primarily through a generous donation from the First National Bank
of Buffalo, the Association commissioned the research for, and building of, the
model/diorama of the Fort which can be seen in the Visitors' Center.
- Designed and dedicated a Memorial to Honor the
Brave, (www.philkearny.vcn.com/fpk-memorial.htm) both Indian and
White, at Fort Phil Kearny.
- Purchased about 24 acres of land adjacent to the
Wagon Box Monument to protect that site from development, and purchased over 50 acres on
Sullivant Hills.
- Initiated and continued the annual Bozeman
Trail Days event, in cooperation with the State Parks and Historic Sites
Department personnel at Fort Phil Kearny.
- Have published 9 books and monographs, funded
and helped produce two videos, and printed copies of the Bernard Thomas painting,
"The Burning of Fort Phil Kearny".
- Have helped fund many of the physical
improvements, interpretive signage, promotion, exhibits, and events at the sites.
- Publish a newsletter, THE LOOKOUT three times a
year for members of the Association.
- Established and operate the book store at the
Fort with profits returning to assist the site.
- Financed, sponsored, and provided volunteers for
archaeology projects at Fort Phil Kearny and at the Wagon Box Fight site.
- Helped to establish a new living history unit ,
"Kearny's Frontier Regulars" at the Fort.
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