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 base located along the Columbia River in what is now The Dalles, Oregon. When Oregon was still a territory, this outpost helped the army during conflicts with Native American tribes. It was first known as Camp Drum and later as Fort Drum before becoming Fort Dalles.
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Fort Dalles: A Historic Army Outpost
Fort Dalles played a key role in the history of the Pacific Northwest. It served as a military base for many years, helping to protect settlers and manage relations with local tribes. Today, you can visit the Fort Dalles Museum to learn all about its past.
Building Fort Dalles
The story of Fort Dalles began even before the U.S. Army arrived.
Early Beginnings and Name Changes
The very first post was built in 1838 by local volunteer soldiers from the Oregon Provisional Government. This group was led by Henry A. G. Lee during the Cayuse War. They built it on a spot overlooking a camp used by the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. This early post was called Fort Lee and was located where the Methodist Mission once stood.
In the fall of 1849, U.S. Army troops came to the new Oregon Territory. They took over the empty Fort Lee. In 1850, Major Tucker oversaw the building of a new log fort, which they named Camp Drum. The rules for army forts changed, allowing Camp Drum to control the land it needed. Even without a tall fence around it, Camp Drum became Fort Drum on May 21, 1853. Just a month later, on June 21, 1853, it was officially renamed Fort Dalles.
New Buildings and Commanders
From 1856 to 1858, many new buildings were constructed at Fort Dalles. Captain Thomas Jordan directed this big project. Starting in April 1858, the old log fort was taken down. New structures like a commander's house, barracks (where soldiers lived), and stables were built. Colonel George Wright, who commanded the 9th Infantry, was in charge of these new constructions.
What Happened at Fort Dalles?
Fort Dalles was very active during the Yakima Wars. It served as the main headquarters for the army's operations in the area. At one point, eight companies of soldiers were stationed there.
After these conflicts ended, the fort's role changed. In 1861, it became a quartermaster's depot, which means it was mainly used to store supplies for the army. Sadly, a fire destroyed the officer's living quarters in 1866. Fort Dalles was then closed down in 1867.
Explore the Fort Dalles Museum
Today, you can visit the Fort Dalles Museum to step back in time. The museum is located in the original surgeon's quarters, which was built in 1856. This is the only officer's house from that time period that is still standing!
The Surgeon's Quarters
Inside the surgeon's quarters, you'll find many interesting exhibits. These include arrowheads, military items, pioneer tools, old photographs, weapons, and saddles. You can learn all about the fort's history and the people who lived there. The Fort Dalles Surgeon's Quarters is a very special building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a great example of Gothic Revival architecture in Oregon.
The Anderson Homestead
Your museum admission also includes tours of the Anderson Homestead. This includes the 1895 Anderson House, which is a unique Swedish log house. You can also see an old granary and a barn.
Old Wagons and Cars
There's another building at the museum that houses a collection of antique vehicles. You can see horse-drawn wagons and carriages, along with some of the very first automobiles. It's a fascinating look at how people used to travel!
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Wasco County, Oregon
- Malcolm A. Moody House
