Camp Chehalis facts for kids

Camp Chehalis, also known as Fort Chehalis, was an important army camp located in what was then Washington Territory. It was built right at the mouth of the Chehalis River, close to where the cities of Hoquiam and Grays Harbor are today. This fort played a small but key role in the early history of the area.

What Was Camp Chehalis?

Camp Chehalis was a military base. It was set up by the United States Army to help keep peace and order in the growing Washington Territory. The fort was a place where soldiers lived and worked.

It was located in a strategic spot. Being at the mouth of the Chehalis River meant it was near important waterways. These rivers were like highways for travel and trade back then.

Why Was It Built?

The fort was established in 1860. Captain Maurice Maloney led the effort to build it. He arrived with a group of soldiers. This group included three other officers and 52 enlisted men.

The main reason for building the fort was to protect the settlers. These were people moving into the area to start new lives. They needed safety as the territory grew.

A Brief Abandonment and Return

Camp Chehalis did not stay open for very long at first. The Army decided to leave the fort on June 19, 1861. This decision was made after the acting leader of the territory, Governor Henry M. McGill, asked them to leave.

Why Did the Army Come Back?

However, the Army returned to Camp Chehalis just two months later. In August 1861, a new group of soldiers arrived. This group was led by 2nd Lieutenant C. D. Emory. They were part of the U.S. 9th Infantry Regiment.

The soldiers came back for a few important reasons:

• To help settlers feel safe: People living in the area were worried. The fort's return helped them feel more secure.
• To protect the Indian agent: An "Indian agent" was a government official. This person worked with Native American tribes in the region. The agent and their team needed protection while setting up an office.

So, Camp Chehalis became important again. It helped keep peace and supported government efforts in the territory. Even though it was small, it showed the Army's role in protecting people during a time of growth and change.