NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/823575
MAY 2017 • NEBRASKAland 29 "During the seven years of its existence, Fort Atkinson was the focal point of a million square miles of American territory." – Historian Virgil Ney T he first U.S. military post west of the Missouri River, Fort Atkinson can claim a number of Nebraska firsts: first school, hospital, library and military post. Established in 1820, Fort Atkinson's role was to protect the growing American fur trade in the West, counteracting the encroaching presence of British fur traders from the north, and keeping the peace between traders and the Indian tribes of the region. It was also an early experiment in pioneering the frontier, coming less than 15 years after the end of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Isolated on the "Great American Desert," the fort's inhabitants quickly learned that if they were to survive, they had to make or grow everything they needed to live. Their success made Fort Atkinson a popular spot for trappers to gather supplies, as well as a jumping-off point for explorations of the West and trading expeditions to Mexican settlements. From its spot on the Missouri River bluffs, Fort Atkinson saw the fur trade become the dominant force for American expansion and witnessed the opening of the American West. Compared to other similar forts of its day, Fort Atkinson was large: At its height, it housed 1,200 soldiers – about one-sixth of the standing U.S. Army. Roughly that many civilians lived just beyond the wall of the garrison. It operated like a small city: the soldiers' children attended school on the fort's grounds, goods were sold at the sutler store, and the necessities of daily life were carried out at the sawmill, grist mill, bakery, the blacksmith and armorer's shop, and at numerous storehouses and barns. Fort Atkinson's troops were also farmers: They grew corn, wheat, oats and millet on more than 500 acres of land. Walking through the fort's reconstructed buildings, you'll notice long rectangular gun ports built into the barracks. Historically, they were never used. Fort Atkinson itself never experienced a battle or skirmish, though it did send aid to a party of fur trappers upriver who'd been attacked by Indians in 1823. One of the most vital buildings at Fort Atkinson was the Council House, where Indian agent Benjamin O'Fallon and sub-agent John Dougherty met with representatives from local Indian tribes. The area surrounding Fort Atkinson was occupied by tribes with diverse languages and cultures, including the Oto, Missouri, Pawnee and Omaha. This proximity was one of the reasons the site was chosen in the first place. The fort's relationship with these tribes was friendly. Col. Henry Leavenworth made it clear to O'Fallon and the commanding officers that while the fort should be prepared to protect itself if necessary, they would also respect the Indians' rights and privileges. In addition to its legacy as a peace-keeping institution, Fort Atkinson was also a training ground for future prominent military leaders. "Within the regiments at Fort Atkinson were to be found the seeds of the future combat leadership of the last Seminole War, the Mexican War and even the Civil War," wrote historian Virgil Ney. Fort Atkinson's story came to a close in 1827. The Army had realigned its forces to the south, the fur trade was secure, and more people were settling southwest of the fort along the Santa Fe Trail. Forts were needed elsewhere. The troops and civilians abandoned Fort Atkinson, and all traces of the garrison vanished. The only signs that the fort was once there were the musket balls, uniform buttons and antique coins that regularly appeared after spring plowing. Archaeology on the grounds began in the 1950s, and various buildings were reconstructed over a period of 25 years. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission established Fort Atkinson as a state historical park in 1963, and, with the help of interested citizens and potential partners, has developed a tactical plan to propel the park into the future. Park updates under consideration include new displays and programming, additional events, lodging and camping opportunities, and an updated visitors center. ■ "During the seven years of its existence, Fort Atkinson was Fort Atkinson, 1820-1827 At a clo e to d e y were ons the m an a g a A an and operated like a small cit children attended sch grounds, goods we sutler store, and daily life were sawmill, gris blacksmith shop, a store Fo t o mor of land Walkin the fort's r buildings, yo rectangular gu the barracks. His were never used. F never experienced a though it d party of fur Above: Fort Atkinson was established by the Yellowstone Expedition in 1820. Here, Major Stephen H. Long, leader of the scientific party of the expedition, holds council with the Native Americans of the area in 1819. Below: Uniform buttons found on the site. Courtesy of the Washington County Museum. ILLUSTRATION BY H. CHARLES MCBARRON, COURTESY OF THE U.S. ARMY CENTER OF MILITARY HISTORY PHOTO BY NIKKI MCDONALD A shako plate found on the site of Fort Atkinson. They were worn on the riflemen's leather caps. Courtesy of the Washington County Museum.