Fort Davy Crockett facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fort Davy Crockett
Trading post and fort
Nickname(s):  Fort Misery
Fort Davy Crockett Location in Colorado
Country	United States
State	Colorado
County	Moffat
Within	Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge

Fort Davy Crockett, also known as Fort Misery, was an important trading post in the late 1830s and early 1840s. It was located in what is now northwestern Colorado, specifically within the Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge in Moffat County, Colorado. This fort was unique because it was west of the Rocky Mountains, unlike most other trading posts in Colorado at that time.

What Was Fort Davy Crockett?

Building the Fort

Fort Davy Crockett was built sometime between 1832 and 1837. Three men named Phillip Thompson, Prewitt Sinclair, and William Craig started it. The fort was made from adobe (sun-dried mud bricks) and cottonwood trees.

It was described as a "hollow square of one story cabins." These cabins had roofs and floors made of mud. Around the main fort, you could find cone-shaped lodges. These were made of animal skins and belonged to the Native American wives of the white trappers. The trappers were often away hunting for furs.

Why Was It Called Fort Misery?

Life at Fort Davy Crockett was very difficult. Because of the tough living conditions, some trappers called it "Fort Misery." They even used the French name, Fort de Misère.

Who Stayed There?

Famous people like Kit Carson and other mountain men often stayed at Fort Davy Crockett. These mountain men were explorers and fur trappers. The fort served many purposes for them.

It was a place where trappers could trade their animal furs for money or supplies. It also became a social spot where people could meet. You could find a tavern there, and it offered a place to stay for travelers.

Life at the Fort

Tough Times and Abandonment

By the winter of 1839, the people living at the fort faced severe challenges. They were starving and struggled to find enough food. To survive, they had to buy dogs from Native Americans for meat. This difficult period was confirmed by archaeologists. They found dog bones during a survey of the fort's site.

Eventually, the demand for beaver fur, which was the main reason for the fort, decreased. Because of this, Fort Davy Crockett was abandoned by 1844.

Remembering the Fort

Today, you can find a historical marker for Fort Davy Crockett. It is located at Lodore School, also known as Lodore Hall, within the wildlife refuge. This marker helps people remember the fort's history.