Fort Crawford (Colorado) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fort Crawford
U.S. military post
Nickname(s):  Cantonment at Uncompahgre
Fort Crawford Location in Colorado
Country	United States
State	Colorado
County	Montrose
Town	Montrose

Fort Crawford, first known as Cantonment at Uncompahgre, was an important U.S. Army base. It was located along the Uncompahgre River in Colorado. The fort was built after a major event called the Meeker Massacre. It was active from 1880 to 1891. Today, a special historical marker shows where the fort once stood. The actual site is on private land.

Fort Crawford: A Look Back

Why the Fort Was Built

For a long time, the Ute people lived and hunted on their traditional lands. But as more settlers moved into the area, the Utes were pushed off their best lands. In 1878, a man named [[Nathan Meeker became a Ute Indian agent. He tried to force the Utes to change their way of life and become farmers.

When his efforts failed, Meeker asked the U.S. Army for help. On September 29, 1879, Chief Douglas and his warriors attacked Meeker. They killed him and seven other agency members. This event became known as the Meeker Massacre. Another attack followed, killing Major Thomas T. Thornburgh and nine of his soldiers.

After these events, people living in the area demanded that the Utes be moved. Even though there was a treaty, the Utes would not leave. So, in July 1880, the Cantonment at Uncompahgre was built. The next year, the Utes were moved to a reservation in Utah.

The Fort's New Name and Closing

In 1886, the post was renamed Fort Crawford. This was done to honor Emmet Crawford, an officer who died fighting against Geronimo and the Apaches.

By 1890, the fort was no longer needed. It was officially closed down. The buildings were sold, and the land became available for new settlers. In 1966, the Chipeta Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society placed a marker near the site. This marker helps people remember the history of Fort Crawford.