Fort Anderson (California) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fort Anderson Camp Anderson
military post
Fort Anderson Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	Humboldt County
Elevation	804 ft (245 m)

Fort Anderson, also known as Camp Anderson, was a temporary army base in California. It was set up by soldiers called the California Volunteers. The fort was first built in May 1862. It played a part in a conflict known as the Bald Hills War.

The fort was located near Redwood Creek. This area is in what is now Humboldt County, California. Fort Anderson was placed between two other important forts: Fort Humboldt and Fort Gaston. It was left empty in the winter of 1862. However, it was reopened in 1864 and finally closed for good in 1866.

What Was Fort Anderson?

Fort Anderson was a military outpost. This means it was a small army base far from bigger cities. Soldiers lived and worked there. Their main job was to keep peace in the area. They also protected settlers during a time of conflict.

Why Was Fort Anderson Built?

Fort Anderson was built during a time of unrest. This period is known as the Bald Hills War. The fort's purpose was to help control the situation. It aimed to protect the people who were settling in the region. It also helped the army keep watch over the area.

The Bald Hills War

The Bald Hills War was a conflict in Northern California. It happened between 1858 and 1864. This war involved settlers, the U.S. Army, and several Native American tribes. These tribes included the Wiyot, Hupa, Yurok, and others. The fighting was mostly about land and resources. Fort Anderson was one of several military posts set up to deal with this conflict.

California Volunteers

The soldiers who built Fort Anderson were called the California Volunteers. During the American Civil War, many states raised their own volunteer armies. California was one of these states. Its volunteers helped keep order in the western territories. They also protected important routes. They were not sent to fight in the main Civil War battles. Instead, they focused on local conflicts like the Bald Hills War.

Where Was Fort Anderson Located?

Fort Anderson was located in a strategic spot. It was on Redwood Creek in Humboldt County. This creek flows through a rugged, forested area. The fort was positioned below where Minor Creek joins Redwood Creek. Its location helped the army control movement through the region. Being between Fort Humboldt and Fort Gaston made it part of a network of military posts. This network helped the army manage the territory.

The Fort's Timeline

Fort Anderson had a short but important history. It was established in May 1862. This was during the height of the Bald Hills War. The fort provided a base for soldiers operating in the area.

However, it was abandoned later that same year. The harsh winter conditions likely made it difficult to maintain. Soldiers might have moved to more sheltered locations.

The fort was reestablished in 1864. This shows that the need for a military presence continued. It remained active for about two more years. Finally, Fort Anderson was closed permanently in 1866. By this time, the Bald Hills War had largely ended. The need for many smaller outposts had decreased.