Mountain Man Museum breaks ground for Fort Sublette
by Dawn Ballou, Pinedale Online!
October 18, 2025
The Museum of the Mountain Man held a groundbreaking ceremony for a replica 1830s-era fort they are building on the museum grounds. The fort, to be named Fort Sublette, will be built on the north lawn of the property, between the museum and just south of the new hospital. The groundbreaking was held on Saturday, October 18th. Attending, were members of The American Mountain Men Association (AMM), who will be manning the period-correct fort for living history demonstrations. Also attending were Rusty Gooch and his daughter Lindsey, whose family donated $450,000 towards the building of the fort, kick-starting the project. A grant from the Sublette County Commissioners added $225,000 towards the fort fund and the Museum’s expansion plans.
The Fort will allow living history interpretation and demonstrations all summer long expanding the partnership with the AMM who have provided living history interpretation during Green River Rendezvous and Living History Days for 25 years.
Sublette County Historical Society and Museum of the Mountain Man Executive Director, Clint Gilchrist, said building the fort has been a dream of the Museum and AMM for many years, and they are happy to see the project begin. The hope is to have it completed by Rendezvous in July next year. Sublette County Commissioner, Dave Stephens, said they support the project and are pleased with what the Museum is doing to grow. AMM member, Teton Todd, said they love coming to Pinedale for the living history programs and are looking forward to the fort and how it will help expand what they can do with their educational programs.
Related Links: Gooch Family makes generous donation to the Museum of the Mountain Man Pinedale Online, October 12, 2025 Ground Breaking for Fort Sublette October 18 Pinedale Online, October 12, 2025 The American Mountain Men Museum of the Mountain Man Museum launches fundraising campaign for Bicentennial Expansion Pinedale Online, March 9, 2024
|