Fort Davis, Alaska facts for kids

Fort Davis was a military post built by the United States Army in Alaska in 1900. It was located in the Nome area. The fort was named after General Jefferson C. Davis. He was the military leader of Alaska from 1868 to 1870.

Why Was Fort Davis Built?

The Nome Gold Rush brought many people to Nome. This led to problems like arguments over gold claims. There was also a general lack of rules. The Army was sent to the Nome area to help keep order.

Before Fort Davis was built, soldiers came from a port called St. Michael. St. Michael was a busy harbor during the Klondike gold rush. A military fort was built there in 1897 because of its growth.

Fort Davis was used for about 17 years. It was closed down around 1917.

People at Fort Davis

In 1910, the U.S. Census counted 180 people living at Fort Davis. Since the fort closed a few years later, it was not counted again.

Images for kids

• 

  Barracks at Fort Davis, 1900. Barracks are buildings where soldiers live.

• 

  A map of Nome and Fort Davis from 1908.

• 

  A map showing the fort itself in 1909.

• 

  Soldiers on parade in Nome in 1908.