Baronett's Bridge, Wyomnig
Sept. 5, 1877 - Howard’s forces reach Baronett’s Bridge
Baronett’s Bridge, which sat astride the Yellowstone River at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Lamar Rivers, was built in 1871 as a toll-bridge. Jack Baronett profited more from miners on their way to and from the Clarks Fork River than he did from tourists in Yellowstone. General Howard’s forces reached this point on September 5. They found the bridge burned by a Nez Perce scouting party, led by Hímiin Maqsmáqs (Yellow Wolf) as they sought to join the main band in the eastern part of the Park. The army set about repairing it with some timbers they took from a nearby Jack Baronett’s cabin, crossed the river, and continued up the East Fork of the Yellowstone River.
“On arriving at Baronet's [sic] bridge, we found that a small raiding party had been there and had made an unsuccessful attempt to burn the bridge. We were delayed here several hours in repairing the damage.”
– Thomas A. Sutherland (war correspondent)
For Hikers: Baronett’s Bridge – 1.5 miles round trip
Starting at the parking lot, on the trail closest to the river, walk north along the Yellowstone River for 0.3 mile. Right after passing a boulder about 6 feet high, step closer to the edge and look down to the river. From this point you should be able to see the stonewall abutments for Baronett’s bridge on this side of the river. They sit on top of a ledge at the narrowest part of the river.
As you continue to walk east, in another 0.1 mile you will be able to see traces of the wagon road as it switchbacks down the north bank of the Yellowstone River. Another 0.1 mile walk, staying close to the river, will bring you to the remains of the wagon road on the south side of the river. The hillside has eroded severely enough that the original roadbed is mostly covered with loose rock, which provides very unsure footing.
Continue walking east for 3 or 4 minutes to the confluence of the Yellowstone and Lamar Rivers. Now, keeping the Lamar River on your left, walk upstream about 0.2 mile. Then you can follow the traces of the wagon road back to the parking lot. The return trip should take about 15 minutes. Join the main tour for the trip to Cooke City, Montana.
