Fort Garland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Garland
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Fort Garland in 1874.
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 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fort Garland, Colorado |
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| Built | 1858 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000156 |
| Added to NRHP | February 26, 1970 |
Fort Garland was an important army fort in Colorado, United States. It was built in 1858 and closed in 1883. The fort was designed to protect settlers living in the San Luis Valley. At that time, this area was part of the New Mexico Territory. The fort was named after General John Garland, who was a military commander.
Contents
History of Fort Garland
Who was at Fort Garland?
In 1866, Colonel Kit Carson and soldiers from New Mexico were stationed at Fort Garland. Kit Carson was a famous frontiersman. He successfully made a peace agreement with the Ute people in 1867.
Buffalo Soldiers at the Fort
The Ninth Cavalry, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, served at Fort Garland from 1876 to 1879. These brave soldiers were African American. In 1876, they went to the La Plata area. Their job was to stop fights between the Utes and white gold prospectors. The next year, they helped move white settlers off lands that belonged to the Ute people.
Why the Fort Closed
In 1879, soldiers from Fort Garland were called to help Nathan Meeker. He was an Indian Agent at the White River Agency. Sadly, Meeker and others were killed by unhappy Utes. Some family members were also taken captive. The captives were later released. After this event, the Utes were moved to new lands again. This reduced the need for a fort in the area. So, Fort Garland was closed in 1883.
Fort Garland Museum
Visiting the Museum Today
The Colorado Historical Society worked to restore Fort Garland. They opened the Fort Garland Museum in 1950. Today, you can visit the museum to learn about its history.
What You Can See
Many buildings at the fort have been restored or rebuilt. You can see the adobe Commandant's Quarters. This is where Kit Carson and his wife once lived. There are also the cavalry barracks. Inside, you can find exhibits about Hispanic traditional arts. You can also see transportation items from the 1800s. Other officer's quarters are also open for visitors.
Special Exhibits
The museum has special exhibits focusing on Kit Carson. You can also learn a lot about the Buffalo Soldiers. The History Colorado organization manages the museum.
Nearby Historical Site
About 45 miles southwest of Fort Garland is Pike's Stockade. This is a rebuilt site where Zebulon Pike raised the American flag in 1807.
