Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Steele
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Platte River at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing |
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| Nearest city | Sinclair, Wyoming |
| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Built | 1868 |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000185 |
| Added to NRHP | April 16, 1969 |
Fort Steele, also known as Fort Fred Steele, was an important military base built a long time ago in Wyoming. Its main job was to protect the new railroad tracks being laid across the United States. This railroad, called the Union Pacific Railroad, was a huge project connecting the country. The fort was built in 1868 right where the railroad crossed the North Platte River. Soldiers and workers built it together. Fort Steele was one of three forts built along this new railroad line to keep it safe. It was named after a general named Frederick Steele, who had recently passed away.
Contents
History of Fort Steele
Why Fort Steele Was Built
Fort Steele was set up in the summer of 1868. It was built to protect the Union Pacific Railroad from attacks. This railroad was a very important project. It connected the eastern and western parts of the United States. The fort also helped keep law and order in the area. It was one of three forts built to protect the railroad. The other two were Fort Sanders near Laramie and Fort D.A. Russell at Cheyenne.
Important Visitors and Events
Soon after the fort was built, in 1868, some very important people visited. These included Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman. They came to see how the railroad was progressing. Other generals and railroad officials joined them.
Soldiers from Fort Steele did more than just protect the railroad. They also helped solve problems in the region. Sometimes, they even helped with worker disagreements far away in places like Chicago. In 1878, troops from the fort were involved in a conflict. They faced significant losses, and the fort's commander, Major Thomas Thornburgh, was among those who died.
The Fort Today
Fort Steele was no longer needed by 1886, so it was closed down. Over the years, some of the buildings at the fort were damaged by fires. On April 16, 1969, Fort Steele was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. Today, it is managed by the state of Wyoming as the Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site. People can visit it to learn about its past.
See also
- List of the oldest buildings in Wyoming
