Wyoming & California Mail Carriers: Snowshoe Thompson & Sam Stringer
- The story of ‘Snowshoe Thompson,’ the legendary mail carrier of the Sierra Nevada mountains, resonated far beyond California and Nevada, even reaching the rugged landscapes of Wyoming.
- Thompson, born Jon Torsteinsson Rue in Norway in 1827, became known as the “father of California skiing” for his innovative use of skis – though he was often...
- However, the challenges of mail delivery in harsh winter conditions were not unique to the Sierra Nevada.
The story of ‘Snowshoe Thompson,’ the legendary mail carrier of the Sierra Nevada mountains, resonated far beyond California and Nevada, even reaching the rugged landscapes of Wyoming. While John Albert Thompson braved the elements to deliver mail between Placerville, California, and Genoa, Nevada, in the mid-19th century, a similar spirit of dedication and resilience defined the work of Sam Stringer, a mail carrier in northern Wyoming.
Thompson, born Jon Torsteinsson Rue in Norway in , became known as the “father of California skiing” for his innovative use of skis – though he was often called ‘Snowshoe’ – to navigate the treacherous winter terrain. His exploits were so remarkable that they inspired a country song in the late 1950s by Johnny Horton, cementing his place in American folklore. A report from , in Bill Barlow’s Budget, highlighted Thompson’s speed and skill, noting his ability to run 1,600 feet in just twenty-one seconds at Silver Mountain, California, in .
However, the challenges of mail delivery in harsh winter conditions were not unique to the Sierra Nevada. In Wyoming, Sam Stringer faced equally daunting obstacles. Stringer’s route, No. 14,131, ran from Buffalo via Oho and Mayoworth to Ten Sleep. On , he embarked on a journey to Ten Sleep, attempting to cross the Big Horn mountains for the first time that winter. The attempt quickly turned perilous.
After eleven miles, Stringer was forced to abandon his wagon. He sheltered in a cabin overnight, then, on , he pressed on with four mules, a bale of hay, a sack of oats, provisions, an axe, and the mail, loaded onto a toboggan. By on the , a severe snowstorm overtook him, and he lost his way, seeking refuge in a ravine. He maintained a fire through the night and the following day, .
The following days brought further hardship. Stringer continued his journey, eventually reaching Frank Simmons’ cabin on Canon Creek on . He then received a horse to ride, reaching Ten Sleep post office on – six days after leaving Buffalo. But his ordeal was far from over. Driven by concern for his mules stranded on the mountain, Stringer immediately began the return journey.
The return trip proved even more brutal. He broke a snowshoe and was forced to crawl on his hands and knees for five days, covering twelve miles to reach his cabin. During this agonizing crawl, he suffered frostbite to his hands, feet, and legs. To compound his misery, he discovered that someone had released his starving mules while he was away.
Despite his condition, Stringer’s determination remained unbroken. He replaced his broken snowshoe and continued towards Powder River, with limited provisions. He reached Clarkson’s Canon ranch on Powder River on , where he received much-needed care. He was brought back to Buffalo and, remarkably, spoke of making another trip across the mountains as soon as he recovered.
Stringer’s story, detailed in accounts from the Buffalo Bulletin on , and the Saratoga Sun on , exemplifies the extraordinary courage and dedication of those who served as mail carriers on the Wyoming frontier. The challenges were immense, with no means of communication beyond direct contact and the constant threat of harsh weather and isolation.
Before his career as a mail carrier, Stringer had a long history of service, including time with the U.S. Army at Fort Phil Kearny. His obituary in the Sheridan Enterprise on , recounts his involvement in the aftermath of the Fetterman Massacre on , where he was tasked with retrieving the bodies of Captain Fetterman and Captain Brown just hours after the battle. He had served at various forts, including Fort Laramie and Fort Bridger, and witnessed the evolution of the American West.
The stories of both Snowshoe Thompson and Sam Stringer serve as a testament to the resilience and unwavering commitment of those who braved the elements to connect communities in the American West. Their dedication, often at great personal risk, played a vital role in the development and settlement of these frontier regions.