Camp Poplar River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camp Poplar River |
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| Poplar, Montana | |
Cantonment at Poplar River, with the agency in the background. From a sketch made by H.O.S. Heistand U.S. Army
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| Site information | |
| Controlled by | United States |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1880 |
| In use | 1880-1893 |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
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| Garrison |
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Camp Poplar River was a military post built by the U.S. Army in 1880. It was located near the Fort Peck Agency in what is now Poplar, Montana. The camp's main job was to help keep order and manage the area during a time of change and conflict, often called the Indian Wars. Soldiers at the camp worked to keep people from entering the reservation without permission and to help manage the Native American communities living there.
The camp was built about half a mile north of the Poplar River Agency, or two miles north of the Missouri River. It was usually home to just two companies of soldiers. Today, the camp is gone, but the town of Poplar, Montana, stands where it once was.
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What Was Camp Poplar River?
Camp Poplar River was set up in 1880. Its main purpose was to support the nearby Fort Peck Agency. This agency had moved to Poplar in 1878 because its old location kept flooding. The camp helped the agency manage the reservation and deal with various groups in the area.
Early Days and Challenges
In September 1880, two companies of the Eleventh Infantry arrived to set up the camp. By October 12, 1880, Camp Poplar River was officially established.
In December 1880, more soldiers were sent to the camp. This was because there were concerns about some Native American groups in the area. A large group of soldiers, including cavalry, arrived to strengthen the camp's defenses.
On January 2, 1881, a significant event happened. Soldiers from Camp Poplar River marched out to confront a group of Native Americans camped nearby. After a brief fight, the soldiers captured over 300 people, around 200 ponies, and many guns. They also destroyed about 60 lodges. The captured people and ponies were later sent to Fort Buford.
Keeping the Peace
The camp continued to play a role in managing the region. Soldiers often went on patrols to find and bring in groups who were not staying on the reservation. For example, in January 1881, a small group of soldiers captured 18 people who were reported to be hiding.
The camp also helped with communication. In 1881, work began to build a telegraph line connecting Camp Poplar River to other forts like Fort Buford and Fort Maginnis. This line was important for sending messages quickly across the vast territory. By September 1881, the line to Fort Buford was finished.
Soldiers from Camp Poplar River also helped the Indian agent. They worked to remove people who were hunting or living on the reservation without permission. This included white hunters and other groups. In December 1882, soldiers found and destroyed many hides and meat from hunters on the reservation.
In March 1883, a scout from the camp captured a group of Cree Indians. They were disarmed and told to leave the area. Later that year, in November 1883, a small group of Sioux Indians surrendered at the camp.
Life at the Camp
Life at Camp Poplar River could be tough. In January 1884, reports showed that Native Americans at the Poplar River Agency and Wolf Point were struggling to find food. The camp itself also faced challenges. In March 1884, a fire destroyed some of the officers' living quarters and office buildings.
New Troops Arrive
In June 1884, the Eleventh Infantry companies left Camp Poplar River. They were replaced by Companies G and K of the Fifteenth Infantry. Captain Wilson Tweed Hartz commanded the camp for over two years, from July 1884 to September 1886.
In August 1884, there was another incident at the agency. Some armed Native Americans entered the agency corral and started taking beef. The Indian agent asked the camp for help. Soldiers were sent to prevent further problems, and eventually, some of the individuals gave up their weapons. In September 1884, another fire, believed to be set on purpose, destroyed a workshop and storage building at the camp.
Later, in August 1886, companies from the Twentieth Infantry took over the garrison. Company G arrived from Fort Maginnis, and Company I came from Fort Assiniboine. Over the next few years, different companies of the Twentieth Infantry moved in and out of the camp.
The Camp Closes Down
By March 1893, Camp Poplar River was still active, with Companies C and I of the Twentieth Infantry stationed there. However, on July 3, 1893, the United States Army decided to close the camp.
The soldiers were ordered to leave, and the land was to be returned to the Indian Bureau. The army also made plans to see if any of the buildings could be moved and used at other military posts. This marked the end of Camp Poplar River's role as a military outpost.
