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 post built in 1868. Its main job was to protect the new Union Pacific Railroad. This railroad was a huge project, connecting the eastern and western parts of the United States. It was called the transcontinental railroad.
The fort was built in Carbon County, Wyoming. It stood right where the railroad crossed the North Platte River. Soldiers and other workers helped build the fort. Fort Steele was one of three forts made to protect the railroad. The other two were Fort Sanders near Laramie and Fort D.A. Russell at Cheyenne. Fort Steele was named after General Frederick Steele, who had recently passed away.
Fort Steele's Story
Soon after Fort Steele was built in 1868, it hosted a very important meeting. Famous generals like Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman visited. They came to check on the railroad's progress. Other generals and important railroad officials were also there.
The fort did more than just protect the railroad. It also helped keep law and order in the area. Soldiers from Fort Steele even helped with worker disagreements. Sometimes, these issues were far away, like in Chicago.
One major event happened in 1878 during the White River War. Soldiers from Fort Steele were sent to help. Sadly, they faced a difficult fight in the Battle of Milk Creek. Many soldiers were lost, including the fort's leader, Major Thomas Thornburgh.
The fort was no longer needed by 1886, so it was closed. Over the years, some of its buildings were damaged by fires. Today, Fort Steele is a special historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. Now, the state of Wyoming manages it as the Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site. You can visit it to learn about its history!
See also
- List of the oldest buildings in Wyoming
