1838 Rendezvous website

Travel back 160 years in time, when the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountain western portion of this country were a vast unknown. This was the domain of the American Indian, and was shared by great numbers of buffalo, elk, deer, grizzly bear and mountain lion, along with an incredible number and variety of other wildlife. Into this great and unmapped mystery came parties of rugged individualists, traveling in search of the raw materials needed for the fashionable hats of that era, beaver pelts.

Spreading out from the routes of the pathfinders Lewis and Clark, in the clear and pristine waters that flowed out of the Rocky Mountains, they found beaver aplenty. But they encountered a major problem in that getting the pelts to market in St. Louis, more than a thousand miles away, was a journey of months. As a solution, groups of these men formed 'Companies', who would transport the bundled furs on the hazardous journey back east to sell. The following summer, these same companies of men would make the long journey back to the mountains, bringing goods and supplies to trade with the trappers for their fall and spring catch. This trading would take place at a predetermined location - a 'rendezvous' site. As small parties and individuals scattered all over the mountains joined together at these once-a-year gatherings, they would trade their catch for enough supplies for the coming year, as well as join in festive competition and renewal of old acquaintances.

What is the modern-day "1838 Rendezvous"?
In 1830 and 1838, this great "summer fair in the mountains" was held at the confluence of the Big and Little Wind Rivers, near what is now present-day Riverton, Wyoming. Our camp today is on the very same grounds as the event of 1838, and is held to re-enact the time and spirit of that original gathering. Teepees and other lodgings are set up and nestled in groves of cottonwood trees along the river, and traders still come and spread their wares to entice buckskinner and pilgrim alike to part with their earnings. (Only today they prefer greenbacks instead of beaver backs.) Opportunities are provided for those who wish to set up a primitive camp, or those who are just novice and beginner "skinners". Also the curious and general public is encouraged to attend and participate, with areas being set aside for those who prefer the modern "tin-teepees".

During the day there are activities such as black powder shooting, knife and tomahawk throwing, kids events and games, crafts and historical involvement. In the evening winners of events get their reward, stories are told, and perhaps a bit of song and music will be shared.

If you are interested in the lives and workings of the historical past, almost any of the modern "Mountain Men and Women" in attendance will be glad to sit and explain what you want to know. The mountain man rendezvous, as presented by the 1838 Rendezvous Association, is designed to teach and help new people get involved in historical re-enactment, and the preservation of history and historical sites. This event is held over the 4th of July each year.

© Wyoming's Wind River Country
Marksmen of a different era compete

© Wyoming's Wind River Country
Marksmen of a different era compete

Who is the
" 1838 Rendezvous
Association"?
For many years this location was used by a variety of people for camping, fishing and relaxing. The property remained relatively undisturbed until 1988, when it was threatened with destruction as a source for mining gravel. This kicked off a campaign to preserve the site, fueled by a number of groups and individuals. In response, the Wyoming Highway Department commissioned a study of the area to determine the authenticity of historic claims, and found them valid. The 1838 Rendezvous Association was formed as a 501C-3 non-profit and educational corporation to administer the site, and has since conducted the re-enactment of a fur trade rendezvous here on a yearly basis ever since. With the support of many community and local government entities, and dedicated individuals, this organization continues to work towards a permanent preservation of this lasting legacy.

1838 Rendezvous
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Boysen State Park
Castle Gardens Driving Tour
Relaxing Lifestyle
Riverton Attractions
Wind River Heritage Center