Fort Dalles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Dalles |
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| The Dalles, Oregon at 45°35′59″N 121°11′03″W / 45.5997222°N 121.1841667°W | |
The Surgeon’s Quarters of Fort Dalles
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| Type | Military base |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | United States Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1850 |
| Built by | Major Tucker |
| In use | 1850–1867 |
| Materials | wood |
| Demolished | 1867 |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
George Wright |
| Garrison | 9th Infantry |
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Fort Dalles Surgeon's Quarters
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| Location | 15th and Garrison streets The Dalles, Oregon |
| Area | 0.8 acres (0.32 ha) |
| Built | 1857 |
| Built by | Scholl, Louis; Jordan, Capt. Thomas |
| Architect | Scholl, Louis, Based On Design By A J Downing |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000682 |
| Added to NRHP | September 10, 1971 |
Fort Dalles was an important United States Army outpost. It was built on the Columbia River in what is now The Dalles, Oregon. When it was first built, Oregon was still a territory, not yet a state.
The fort's main job was to help manage conflicts with Native American tribes in the area. Over time, it had a few different names. It was first called Camp Drum and then Fort Drum before becoming Fort Dalles.
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Building Fort Dalles: A Look Back
The very first military post in this area was built in 1838. It was located on a spot overlooking a campsite used by the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805.
Who Built the First Fort?
This early post was built by the militia (a group of citizen soldiers) from the Oregon Provisional Government. Their leader was Henry A. G. Lee. They built it during a conflict known as the Cayuse War. This first fort was named Fort Lee. It was built where the Methodist Mission had once operated.
The U.S. Army Arrives
In the fall of 1849, soldiers from the United States Army came to the new Oregon Territory. They took over the old Fort Lee, which was no longer in use. In 1850, a new fort made of logs was built. Major Tucker oversaw its construction. This new fort was named Camp Drum.
At first, military forts needed a lot of land. But when the rules changed, Camp Drum's smaller size was just right. Even though it didn't have a tall protective fence (called a stockade), Camp Drum became Fort Drum on May 21, 1853. A month later, on June 21, 1853, it was officially renamed Fort Dalles.
New Buildings for the Fort
Between 1856 and 1858, many new buildings were added to Fort Dalles. Captain Thomas Jordan was in charge of this big project. It cost a lot of money – almost $500,000!
Starting in April 1858, the old log fort was taken down. New buildings were constructed, including a house for the commander, barracks (where soldiers lived), and stables for horses. Colonel George Wright, who led the 9th Infantry, oversaw this work.
Life and Times at Fort Dalles
Fort Dalles played a key role in the region's history. It was a busy place for soldiers and a center for military operations.
Fort Dalles During the Yakima Wars
During the Yakima Wars, Fort Dalles was a very important place. It served as the main headquarters for the Army's operations. Eight companies of troops (a large group of soldiers) were stationed there during this time.
The Fort's Later Years
After the Yakima Wars ended, the fort's role changed. In 1861, it became a quartermaster's depot. This meant it was mainly used for storing supplies and equipment for the Army.
In 1866, a fire unfortunately destroyed the officers' living quarters. Fort Dalles was then officially closed down in 1867.
Fort Dalles Museum: Explore History!
Today, you can visit the Fort Dalles Museum to learn all about this historic place.
The Surgeon's Quarters
The museum is located in the old surgeon's quarters. This building was built in 1856 during the Yakima Wars. It's the only officer's house from that time that is still standing!
Inside the museum, you can see many interesting things:
- arrowheads and tools from early times.
- Items from the military and pioneer settlers.
- Old furniture and photographs.
- Weapons and saddles.
- Lots of information about the fort's history.
The Anderson Homestead
Your admission to the museum also includes tours of the Anderson Homestead. This includes:
- The 1895 Anderson House, which is a unique Swedish log house.
- A granary (a building for storing grain).
- A barn.
Antique Vehicle Collection
There's also a special building at the museum that houses a collection of old vehicles. You can see:
- Antique horse-drawn wagons and carriages.
- Early automobiles.
- Other cool historical vehicles.
The Fort Dalles Surgeon's Quarters is a very special building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Experts consider it one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Oregon.
