Camp Merritt (Montana) facts for kids

Camp Merritt was a temporary military camp built by the United States Army in December 1891. It was located near the Northern Cheyenne Agency in Montana. The camp was named after a famous general, Wesley Merritt. Soldiers stopped using it in 1899.

A Temporary Army Camp

Camp Merritt was a military camp set up by the United States Army. It was built in December 1891. The camp was located in what is now Rosebud County, Montana. This area is close to a town called Lame Deer.

Why Camp Merritt Was Built

For many years, soldiers from Fort Keogh often stayed near the Northern Cheyenne Agency. This was a place where the Northern Cheyenne people lived. In 1891, some Cheyenne people were arrested. They were accused of taking cattle.

Because of this, a high-ranking army leader, General Wesley Merritt, gave an order. He wanted a permanent army camp built in the area. This new camp was named Camp Merritt, after him.

Who Stayed at the Camp

Soldiers from Fort Keogh were sent to Camp Merritt. They would stay there for about three months at a time. Camp Merritt was like a smaller outpost of Fort Keogh. Soldiers were still stationed there as late as 1899. After that year, the camp was no longer used.