Walking 100 yards southwest, past a commemorative monument and the site
of the sutler's residence, you reach the sutler's store. Erected in 1849
or early 1850, the adobe section of this structure housed a general
store. The stone section was added about 1852 and used in part as
quarters for the sutler. During the next three decades, many other
additions were made, all of which had disappeared by 1883. At that time,
the present lime-concrete section was constructed. This addition housed
the officers' club, storage rooms, and a public saloon which connected
with a poolroom in part of the stone section. The balance of the stone
section then housed the sutler's office and the post office connecting
with the original general store. Operated by the sutler, or post trader
as he was officially known after 1867, under a permit from the War
Department, this versatile institution served many notable western
travelers, residents, and warriors--both red and white--during its 40
active years.
[Illustration: _The sutler's store in 1875._ Courtesy University of
Wyoming Archives and Western History Department.]
[Illustration: _"Old Bedlam" in 1875._ Courtesy H. C. Bretney.]