Camp Devin facts for kids

Camp Devin was a temporary United States Army camp. It was set up on June 30, 1878. The camp's main job was to help build a telegraph line. This line connected Fort Keogh and Deadwood. The camp was named after General Thomas Devin. It was used for only a few months and then abandoned in late 1878.

Building a Telegraph Line

On June 1, 1878, Lieutenant Colonel Luther P. Bradley led 520 soldiers. They were from the 9th United States Infantry. They left Fort Laramie. Their journey followed the Cheyenne-Deadwood Stage route. Their big mission was to build a telegraph line. This line would connect Deadwood to Fort Keogh. It would link Montana, Wyoming, and Dakota Territories.

After marching for 30 days, they set up their summer camp. This was on June 30, 1878. They named it Camp Devin. It honored Colonel Thomas C. Devin. He was a respected military leader. He had passed away earlier that year.

Even though the camp lasted only two months, the soldiers finished their job. The telegraph line was completed. This improved communication greatly. It helped forts and towns talk to each other. This made it easier for settlers to move into southeast Montana.

Where Was Camp Devin?

Camp Devin's exact spot is not known today. It was somewhere in southeastern Carter County, Montana. This is close to the town of Alzada, Montana. It was also near the Little Missouri River.

If you visit Alzada, you can find a historical marker. It is on Montana Highway 326. This marker shares information about Camp Devin. It helps people remember this important temporary army base.