District of Utah facts for kids
The District of Utah was a special area used by the U.S. Army during the American Civil War (early 1860s). It was part of a larger military group called the Department of the Pacific. This district covered lands that are now parts of Idaho, Nevada, and Utah.
The District's Story
On August 6, 1862, the U.S. Army created the District of Utah. It took over from an older military area that had closed down. This new district included the Territory of Nevada and the Territory of Utah.
General Patrick Edward Connor was put in charge. He first set up his main office at Fort Ruby. After visiting Salt Lake City, Utah, he moved his headquarters to Camp Douglas on October 20. This camp was about three miles east of Salt Lake City. From there, his soldiers could watch over the Mormon leaders.
Later, on August 20, 1863, the area around Soda Springs in Idaho Territory was added to the district. General Connor's district also had soldiers stationed at Fort Bridger. The Territory of Nevada became the State of Nevada and joined the United States on October 31, 1864.
Who Was in Charge
Here are the main commanders of the District of Utah:
- Colonel Patrick Edward Connor (August 6, 1862 - February 17, 1865)
- Brigadier General Patrick Edward Connor (February 17, 1865 - March 28, 1865)
On February 17, 1865, the District of Utah moved from the Department of the Pacific to the Department of the Missouri. Then, on March 28, 1865, the district became part of the Department of the Plains, still under General Connor's command. Finally, on June 27, 1865, the State of Nevada and the Territory of Utah joined the larger Department of California. This department also included California and the territories of New Mexico and Arizona.
Military Posts
Many military posts were located within the District of Utah. These were places where soldiers lived and worked. Some of these posts include:
- Mormon Station, Nevada (1849–1910)
- Camp Floyd, Utah (1858–1861); later called Fort Crittenden (1861–1862)
- Fort Churchill, Nevada (1860–1869)
- Camp Schell, Nevada (1860–1862)
- Fort Schellbourne, Nevada (1862–1869)
- Camp Nye, Nevada (1861–1865)
- Camp Douglas, Utah (1862–1878)
- Fort Ruby, Nevada (1862–1869)
- Camp Smoke Creek, Nevada (1862–1864)
- Camp Cedar Swamps, Utah (1863)
- Camp Connor, Idaho Territory (1863–1865)
- Camp Dun Glen (1863, 1865–1866)
- Fort Trinity, Nevada (1863 - 1864)
- Antelope Station, Nevada (1864)
- Fort Baker, Nevada (1864)
- Camp Bingham Creek, Utah (1864)
- Camp Relief, Utah (1864)
- Deep Creek Station, Nevada (1864)
- Quinn River Camp (1865)
- Fort McDermitt, Nevada (1865–1889)
- Camp McGarry, Nevada (1865–1868)
- Camp McKee, Nevada (1865–1866)
- Camp Overend, Nevada (1865)
- Salt Lake City Post, Utah (1865–1866)
See also
