Fort Ellsworth (Kansas) facts for kids

Fort Ellsworth was a military post built in 1864 in what is now Ellsworth County, Kansas. It was set up by General Samuel Ryan Curtis near where the Fort Riley-Fort Larned Road crossed the Smokey Hill River. This area was already a busy spot with a stagecoach station and a trading ranch.

Early Trading Post

Before the fort, a trading ranch and hunting camp existed here. Daniel Page and Joseph Lehman started it in 1860. They collected animal hides, like wolf and buffalo, to trade. In 1862, this ranch became a station for the Kansas Stage Company. Stagecoaches would stop here to change their tired mules for fresh ones. Sadly, in September 1862, Confederate soldiers attacked this station.

Building the Fort

In August 1864, soldiers from the 7th Iowa Cavalry built a fort. It was located about four miles southeast of the town that later became Ellsworth, Kansas. These soldiers were led by Second Lt. Allen Ellsworth. A two-story blockhouse was built at the site. In July, Maj. Gen. Samuel Curtis, who was the commander of the military department, officially named the post Fort Ellsworth. He named it in honor of Lt. Ellsworth.

Why Fort Ellsworth Was Important

The main job of Fort Ellsworth was to protect the settlers in the area. They needed protection from some Native American groups who were sometimes in conflict with the settlers.

On August 7, 1864, Native American groups attacked the post. They managed to drive off and capture most of the fort's horses. They also took the mules that belonged to the stagecoach company. After this attack, the fort was left with only two horses.

In January 1865, Col. James H. Ford visited Fort Ellsworth. He was in charge of the military district that included the fort. He noticed that the post still only had nine horses. Because of this, Colonel Ford ordered an additional company of cavalry to be stationed at the fort. This extra help would make the fort stronger and safer.

Life at the Fort

Even though some buildings were constructed by the end of the American Civil War, life for the troops was still very basic. M. Wisner, a soldier, wrote about his company's arrival in January 1865. He said they had to build dugouts for shelter. These dugouts were like small homes dug into the ground, with mud chimneys. Wisner noted that these simple dugouts were surprisingly comfortable during the very cold weather.

Renaming and Abandonment

Fort Ellsworth didn't keep its name for long. On November 11, 1866, the post was renamed Fort Harker. The following year, in 1867, this original site was abandoned. A new location, about a mile to the northeast, was chosen for the new Fort Harker.