Fort Atkinson (Kansas) facts for kids

Fort Atkinson was an important military post in Kansas. It was located about 2 miles (3.2 km) west of what is now Dodge City, Kansas. This fort had two different periods of use. It played a key role in protecting travelers on the famous Santa Fe Trail.

Why Was Fort Atkinson Built?

The first Fort Atkinson was set up on August 8, 1850. The U.S. Army built it to protect people traveling on the Santa Fe Trail. This trail was a busy route for trade and travel across the plains. Before the main fort, a smaller camp called Camp Mackay was nearby.

The soldiers built the fort using sod (chunks of grass and soil) for walls. They used canvas for the roofs. The fort was located near the Arkansas River, so there was plenty of water. However, trees were very far away, about fifteen miles!

Life at the Fort

Life at Fort Atkinson was likely tough. Soldiers lived in basic buildings made of sod. Their main job was to keep the peace and protect travelers. The fort usually had about 140 soldiers stationed there.

The Important Treaty of 1853

One of the most important things that happened at Fort Atkinson was the signing of a treaty. On July 27, 1853, a major agreement was made. It was signed between the U.S. government and the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa tribes.

By this time, more and more white settlers were moving onto the plains. This caused problems with the Native American tribes. The treaty tried to solve some of these issues.

What the Treaty Said

The treaty had several important parts:

• It allowed roads to be used through Native American lands.
• It permitted military posts and settlements to be built.
• The tribes agreed not to attack people or take property from Mexican areas.
• If the tribes caused any harm, they had to make up for it.
• Any captives held by the tribes had to be set free.

In return, the Native American tribes were promised yearly payments. These payments were called annuities. If the tribes broke the treaty, their payments could be reduced.

Why the Treaty Didn't Last

Sadly, both sides sometimes broke the treaty. By the late 1850s, many more white people came to the area. They were heading to Colorado and Montana to find gold. This made the treaty very hard to enforce, and it eventually failed.

Fort Atkinson's Second Life

After the treaty was signed, the first Fort Atkinson was abandoned in September 1853. The buildings were torn down. This was done so that no one could hide inside them and surprise travelers.

But the fort was needed again soon after. In June 1854, Fort Atkinson was reopened! Soldiers from Fort Riley came to set up the post again. This time, they lived in tents because no new buildings were constructed. Major Albemarle Cady was in charge during this second period.

The soldiers continued to protect a mail station and help travelers. In July, many Comanche and Kiowa people came to the fort. They were there to receive their yearly payments, as agreed in the treaty.

This second period for Fort Atkinson did not last long. Major Cady officially closed the fort on October 2, 1854.