Fort Gibbon facts for kids

Fort Gibbon was a U.S. Army base. It was located near the town of Tanana, Alaska. This fort was active for many years, from 1899 to 1923.

Why Fort Gibbon Was Built

At the end of the 1800s, many people rushed to Alaska. They were looking for gold during the Klondike Gold Rush. This led to some lawlessness in the area. To help keep order, the U.S. Army built six forts in Alaska.

Three of these forts were built along the Yukon River. These were Fort Egbert, Fort St. Michael, and Fort Gibbon. Fort Gibbon was placed in a key spot near Tanana.

Keeping Order and Monitoring Trade

In the late 1800s, large ships traveled the Yukon River. They would unload their goods at Tanana. Smaller boats then carried these goods up the Tanana River.

Fort Gibbon was built to watch over this trade. It also helped keep peace among the gold miners and local Native people. The fort played an important role in bringing order to the region.

A New Purpose: Telegraph and Radio

As the gold rush slowed down, the need for keeping order decreased. But Fort Gibbon found a new purpose. It became part of the Washington-Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System.

Construction of this telegraph line began in 1903. It eventually connected Alaska to the rest of the contiguous United States. This was done using an underwater cable. Soon after the telegraph line was finished, wireless radio began to take its place. Fort Gibbon then became an important wireless radio station.

Soldiers at Fort Gibbon

Many different Army units served at Fort Gibbon. Soldiers from the 10th, 16th, 22nd, and 30th Infantry Regiments were stationed there. For example, Companies C and D of the 22nd Regiment served at the fort from 1908 to 1910.

Fort Gibbon was officially closed in 1923.