Learn about surviving in early Wyoming at the Trails Center
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CASPER, Wyo. - Presentations will span surviving the Oregon Trail and the Johnson County War during a weekend of free programming on July 21 and 22. The BLM supports working landscapes across the West through its many programs.
Test your determination during the free youth program, “Would you Survive the Oregon Trail?,” from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 21. Discussion, games and activities will shed light on the perils of the westward journey. Come learn skills which improve your repertoire for survival.
Saturday youth programs emphasize hands-on learning. Parents of young children must accompany students throughout the program.
Patio talk presentations will be offered throughout the weekend as part of the summer's lecture series on pioneer and Wyoming history. These short interpretive programs, ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, are free and open to the public.
Venture back to the Wild West during "The Infamous Invasion of Johnson County" a 1p.m. on Saturday. During 1892, conflict and unrest between large and small cattlemen for the open range was at its height. Here in Wyoming, the focus was in Johnson County. Join author, John Davis as he gives an overview of the events surrounding the hostilities. Davis will also address the genesis and history of his writing of Wyoming Range War.
Join volunteer Bob King during "Iron-Horse Trails: A Brief History of Wyoming's Railroads"; at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Due to the Union Pacific's role in construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, UP was granted ownership of lands across almost 500 miles of what would become Laramie, Albany, Carbon, Sweetwater, and Uinta Counties in Wyoming. This land grant, resulting in what would be referred to as the “Checkerboard Lands,” has played a significant role in the growth and economy of Wyoming.
NHTIC admission and weekend events are free and open to the public. For more information contact 307-261-7780.
The NHTIC is a public-private partnership between the BLM and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation. The facility is located at 1501 N. Poplar Street, Casper, Wyoming.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, there are 30 congressionally designated National Scenic and Historic Trails in the National Trails System. National Historic Trails are extended trails that closely follow a historic trail or route of travel that is of national significance. The BLM now protects nearly 6,000 miles of 18 designated trails in 15 States, and the BLM also manages thousands of miles of trails under study for potential designation.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.