One suggested was where Fort Sedgewick was later established (near Big Springs), and another "on Horseshoe creek, about forty miles west of Fort Laramie in the Black Hills." At this time the mountains around Hartville and extending southwest, including Laramie Peak, were called the Black Hills.

Horseshoe creek was not Horse creek, as will be seen from the designated location, although from the numerous diaries published from time to time, many of the travelers must have had the two confused.

John C. Fremont, who under the auspices of the government, visited Fort Laramie, to treat with the Indians, and to continue on a voyage uf exploration, recommended that the government purchase Fort Laramie, as he had been lead to think that the American Fur Company wished to retire and would sell at a reasonable figure.

Negotiations followed, and, in 1846, Congress appropriated $3,000, the agreed price for the purchase. Bruce Husband, then in charge of Fort Laramie, surprised the government officials by the announcement that he selected another site, and he would build another fort at Scotts Bluff.

This post was commenced at once, and its location was upon the west bank of the Platte just south of the west end of the bridge between the city of Scottsbluff and Mitchell valley. Anyone who has visited this historic spot, can see the advantage of location. It commands an excellent view of the valley in all directions, yet is far enough away from the bluff to be out of range of any fire from that eminence.