Caspar Wever Collins was a Lieutenant in G Company of the 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry during the latter part of the Civil War. The 11th was one of the units scattered about the Rocky Mountain West guarding the Oregon, California, and Overland Mail routes as well as the telegraph system, mainly in modern Wyoming. Though an accomplished artist, who drew detailed illustrations of many military posts, he is remembered more for his tragic death than his life. Caspar was the son of W.O. Collins the Colonel of the 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry and was unlucky enough to be at Platte Bridge Station on July 26, 1865. That day Indian warriors practiced the same strategy that worked so well at the Fetterman Fight to lure the army from the protective cover of a fortified position. In this case the trap was sprung too early and most of the soldiers escaped. The officers of the station refused to lead troops to protect a supply train and Caspar Collins, who was passing through, was given the assignment. Young Collins was on a borrowed band horse that panicked when firing started, carrying him headlong into a group of warriors and his doom. Caspar's sacrifice was commemorated and the town where Platte Bridge Station stood, became Casper, Wyoming. It is not clear why the town spells his name incorrectly.
The above image appears to be an inscription left by Collins on July 6, 1864. The inscription is from the Overland Mail Route at a sulphur spring. In July of 1864 Caspar accompanied his father on a tour of the posts along the mail route, making it likely that this is an authentic Casper Collins inscription.
The above image appears to be an inscription left by Collins on July 6, 1864. The inscription is from the Overland Mail Route at a sulphur spring. In July of 1864 Caspar accompanied his father on a tour of the posts along the mail route, making it likely that this is an authentic Casper Collins inscription.