Fort Belmont facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Belmont |
|
|---|---|
| southern Woodson County, Kansas | |
| Coordinates | 37°49′53″N 95°47′17″W / 37.8314°N 95.7880°W |
| Type | local militia fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Cos. C and G, 16th Kansas (all local militia) |
| Site history | |
| Built | ca. 1860 |
| In use | ca. 1860 - October 1864 or later |
| Materials | wood, earth |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
Capt. Joseph Gunby |
| Garrison | same |
Fort Belmont was a small fort built around 1860 in southern Woodson County, Kansas. It was located near the town of Belmont. The fort's main purpose was to protect the settlers from attacks by groups like the Border Ruffians and Native American tribes.
Contents
What Was Fort Belmont?
Fort Belmont was not a single large building. Instead, it was made up of several parts. There were three or four cabins for the officers. About a quarter of a mile north of the main fort was a special defensive structure called a redoubt. A parade ground, where soldiers might train, was located about a mile to the east.
The Redoubt Explained
The redoubt was a strong, protective structure made of earth and logs. A historian named Daniel C. Fitzgerald visited the remains of this redoubt. He described it as a rectangle, about 150 feet long and 60 feet wide.
The base of the redoubt was made of earthworks, which are mounds of earth built for defense. On top of these earthworks, there were four layers of logs. This made the walls quite high and strong. A small house was also built in the center of the redoubt.
Who Protected Fort Belmont?
Local militia groups were in charge of defending Fort Belmont. These were soldiers from the area, and they were led by Captain Joseph Gunby.
A Place of Refuge
For a time, Fort Belmont was also home to a Federal agency that helped the Osage and Creek Native American tribes. This agency was there until at least October 1864.
In 1861, a leader of the Creek people named Opothleyahola guided about 10,000 followers to Kansas. They were trying to escape fighting with Confederate forces in what is now Oklahoma. They found little safety at Fort Row in Wilson County.
So, the survivors moved to Fort Belmont. However, the winter of 1861-1862 was very hard. The Union army could not provide enough food or shelter for everyone. Sadly, many refugees passed away during this difficult time. Their unmarked graves, including those of Opothleyahola and his daughter, are located nearby.
The Fort's End
On October 30, 1864, the Governor of Kansas, Thomas Carney, officially ended the militia's duty at Fort Belmont. After this, the fort was permanently closed. The town of Belmont itself was abandoned soon after.
