FORT LARAMIE – Fort Laramie National Historic Site looked different 150 years ago. 

There were still no walls around the fort – there never were – but that’s one of only a few similarities. The grounds weren’t bustling with tourists like today; there were soldiers. The saloon served stronger fair than cream soda. The hardtack was still disgusting, but in 1868 it was sometimes a necessity. Today, it’s a novelty in the gift shop. 

The actions of the people in and around the fort at that time, however, are still very much relevant. That’s why the park has held several events through the spring and summer to commemorate the signing of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, which will culminate Monday, Nov. 5, with a day-long commemoration of the signing and what it meant to American history. 

The treaty, which was signed by Oglala Lakota leader Red Cloud in November 1868, essentially ended Red Cloud’s War and created the Native American reservation system. The treaty brought a short period of peace to the Northern Great Plains region and its ramifications are still very much felt today, according to Eric Valencia, the Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services at Fort Laramie. 

“It is important because it set up the guidelines for a future relationship between the federal government and the tribes of the Northern Great Plains,” Valencia said.

“It had an impact on all relations between indigenous peoples and the federal government. It was basically an attempt to set up the reservation system. As we all know, that has an impact on who we are to this very day.”

Monday’s events will begin with a traditional Oglala Lakota ceremony and prayer at 10 a.m. at the historic site. After the ceremony, the festivities will move to the Fort Laramie Community Center to hear keynote speaker Tom Short Bull, the President of Oglala Lakota College at 11:30a.m. Traditional Native American food will be prepared and served by descendants of Red Cloud. 

After lunch, the focus of the activities will be on Lakota history and culture, highlighted by the Victory Dance and honor songs.  Valencia said the commemoration of the treaty has a lot to offer for people interested in Native American history. 

“If your interests are more into learning a little bit about the Red Cloud family and the treaty, the morning is especially important, because they will be giving talks on the importance and the relevance of the treaty,” he said.  

“The afternoon is a continuation, but it is more focused on honoring the grandfathers and grandmothers that were here. If you’re interested in witnessing Lakota history and culture, the afternoon is something you want to be a part of.”

The commemoration events have been the result of collaborative efforts between Red Cloud’s family, Native American tribes and Fort Laramie staff. Valencia said the commemoration has been a successful venture, and he hopes for future collaboration between the parties involved. 

“One of the things we tried to do here was honor the treaty and what it meant to people, especially the tribes of the Northern Great Plains.” He said. “It continues to impact their lives on the reservations to this very day. We are also attempting to create an environment in which people can return to the site and make connections to the site as a sacred site, but also to honor the grandmothers and grandfathers that were here and made the sacrifice for the people.”