Fort Elizabeth Meagher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Elizabeth Meagher |
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|---|---|
| Gallatin County, Montana | |
| Coordinates | 45°38′30″N 110°55′05″W / 45.64167°N 110.91806°W |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1867 |
Fort Elizabeth Meagher was a temporary military outpost built in 1867 in what is now Gallatin County, Montana. It was named after Elizabeth Meagher, the wife of Thomas Francis Meagher, who was an important leader in the Montana Territory government. The fort's main goal was to protect settlers in the area.
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Why Was Fort Elizabeth Meagher Built?
Fort Elizabeth Meagher was established in May 1867. It was located about eight miles east of the town of Bozeman, Montana, near Rocky Creek. Brigadier General Thomas Thoroughman and Colonel Walter W. De Lacy of the Montana Territory Volunteer Militia oversaw its creation.
Protecting Settlers in Montana
The main reason for building the fort was to keep settlers safe. Leaders believed that Crow and Sioux Native American groups might attack the area. This concern grew after events in April 1867.
Blocking Mountain Passes
The fort had a strong wooden fence, called a stockade. There was also a smaller guard post near Bridger Pass. These structures were placed to block important mountain paths. The idea was to stop any groups from easily entering the valley through these passes.
Why Was Fort Elizabeth Meagher Abandoned?
Fort Elizabeth Meagher was not used for very long. It was abandoned just a few months after it was built.
Building a New Fort Nearby
The fort was closed down in August 1867. This happened because a new, larger fort was built very close by. This new fort was called Fort Ellis. Fort Ellis was able to provide better protection for the settlers. Because of this, Fort Elizabeth Meagher was no longer needed.
