Banner in Sheridan County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
A monument Honoring John “Portugee” Phillips
One of history’s great but little celebrated rides was made between midnight December 21st and Christmas night December 25th in the year 1866. From here at Fort Phil Kearny, where annihilation of Fetterman’s force had left the garrison in desperate straits, this ride spanned 236 miles to strategic Fort Laramie, the nearest hope for any succor. John “Portugee” Phillips, shrouded in snow and driven by an arctic wind, made that ride. He rode the Commanding Officer’s superb thoroughbred and he rode by night and hid by day, or used the bitter yet advantageous storm to hide his movements and blot his tracks. Thus he eluded pursuing Indians who, anticipating a necessary dash for aid, sought to intercept the speeding pair – resourceful messenger and courageous steed.
Location. 44° 31.965′ N, 106° 49.656′ W. Marker is in Banner, Wyoming, in Sheridan County. Marker is on Wagon Box Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is located at Fort Phil Kearny. Marker is in this post office area: Banner WY 82832, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of a Sawmill (here, next to this marker); The Fort Kearny Sawmills (here, next to this marker); Lodge Trail Ridge Sullivant Ridge (a few steps from this marker); Pilot Hill (a few steps from this marker); Cemetery Site (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bozeman Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Protecting the Travelers or the Garrison? (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Banner.
More about this marker. The upper left of the marker contains a picture of the view from the marker with the location of the Portugee monument circled. Below this is a picture of John “Portugee” Phillips on his ride, and a map showing the location of the fort, the Bozeman Trail, and the John “Portugee” Phillips monument.
Also see . . . Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site. (Submitted on August 25, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey.)
Categories. • Wars, US Indian •
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on August 25, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 25, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey.