The Caspar Collins Map Collection

Platte Bridge Station -- Deer Creek Station -- La Bonte Station, or Camp Marshall -- Horse Shoe Station

These four locations are drawn on a single strip map, although each station has its own map. This strip map measures 38 inches wide by 12 inches high. The map is marked by wrinkles and dirt stains. It is also marked by ink stains from being folded at one point in time, however, the map is now housed in a mylar sleeve. All four locations are scaled at 20 feet to the inch. There are legends and compass guides to help the user. These maps are vividly colored and include dimensions of most structures. The maps of Horse Shoe Station and Deer Creek Station have insets showing their locations in a larger geographical setting.

The Platte Bridge Station was located on the South bank of the Platte River, East and Southeast of the Telegraph and Emigrant-Overland Route. It was established in 1847 by Mormon travelers and was later acquired by the Army. Troops began moving into the area in great numbers in 1862 and the site became a permanent post in 1865. After Caspar Collins met his death here, the post was renamed Fort Caspar. (Spring, pp.71-99)

Deer Creek Station was located south of the Platte River and west of Deer Creek. This station was on both sides of the Emigrant-Overland Route. Caspar Collins was stationed here in February 1865. (Spring, p.71)

Camp Marshall or La Bonte Station was a telegraph station located northwest of La Bonte Creek and on the northeast side of the Emigrant-Overland Route. (Spring, p.74)

Horse Shoe Station was south of Horse Shoe Creek as well as the Emigrant-Overland Route. (Spring, p.75) The town of Glendo, Wyoming now occupies this site. (Urbanek, p.99)