Fort Crook (California) facts for kids
Fort Crook was an important U.S. Army post. It was first set up in 1857. This fort was located in Shasta County, California. It was near a town called Fall River Mills, California. Today, you can learn about its history at the Fort Crook Museum.
History of Fort Crook
Fort Crook started as Camp Hollenbush in 1857. Captain John W.T. Gardiner and his soldiers built it. They were from the 1st U.S. Dragoons and the 4th U.S. Infantry. The camp was named after a doctor, Assistant Surgeon Calvin G. Hollenbush.
Later, the camp was renamed Fort Crook. It was named after Lieutenant George Crook. He was also from the 4th U.S. Infantry. Lieutenant Crook led a group called the Pitt River Expedition of 1857. During this trip, he was hurt by an arrow from a Native American.
Fort Crook During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, soldiers from California guarded the fort. These soldiers were called California Volunteers.
From August 3 to August 12, 1861, troops from Fort Crook went on a scouting trip. They traveled from the fort to Round Valley in Mendocino County.
On August 5, 1861, other soldiers from the fort fought a small battle. This happened in the Upper Pit River Valley. They fought against the Achomawi people. Later, from August 15 to August 22, 1861, they went on another trip to the Pit River. During this trip, they had another small fight near Kellogg's Lake on August 19.
The U.S. Army stopped using Fort Crook in 1869. The land was given back to the public in 1881.
Fort Crook Today
There are no original buildings left at the fort's first location. On November 11, 1934, the Fort Crook Historical Society placed a special marker. This historical marker for Fort Crook is in Fall River Mills. You can find it at 41°05.318′N 121°30.861′W / 41.088633°N 121.514350°W.
A cabin from the original fort site was saved and moved. It is now at the Fort Crook Museum in Fall River Mills. The museum is located where McArthur Road and Soldier Mountain Road meet, near the marker.
In 2009, a special round barn was rebuilt at the museum. This type of barn was used to train wild horses for the U.S. Army.
