Fort Independence (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Independence |
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| Owens Valley, California, US | |
Camp Independence in the Owens Valley, in 1871.
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 Fort Independence
Fort Independence
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| Coordinates | 36°49′31″N 118°22′18″W / 36.82528°N 118.37167°W |
| Type | Military post |
| Site information | |
| Owner | United States Army |
| Controlled by | Fort Independence Reservation |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Built | July 4, 1862 |
| Fate | Decommission 1877 |
| Official name: Camp Independence | |
| Reference #: | 349 |
Fort Independence, originally called Camp Independence, was a military fort. It was located in the Owens Valley in eastern California. The fort was about 3 miles (5 km) north of the town of Independence. The U.S. Army used this post from 1862 to 1877.
Contents
History of Fort Independence
Early Days of Camp Independence
Camp Independence was set up on July 4, 1862. It was built near Oak Creek in the Owens Valley. This happened during a time of conflict called the Owens Valley Indian War. The fort was also used by the army during the American Civil War.
The army left the fort for a short time in December 1864. This was after the fighting with the local Paiute people ended.
Reopening and Final Closure
However, the fort was reopened in March 1865. Soldiers from Nevada came back because new conflicts started with the Paiute people. The military post was finally closed down on July 5, 1877.
Later, on July 22, 1884, the land was given to the Interior Department. This department helps manage public lands.
Fort Independence Reservation Today
After the military left, the native Paiute and Shoshone people in the area had different land sections near the fort. The Fort Independence Reservation was officially created later. This happened through special orders in 1915 and 1916.
This reservation gave the tribal members about 360 acres (1.5 km²) of land. It was located next to Oak Creek in the southern Owens Valley. This area is near the Owens River and the town of Independence.
A California Historical Landmark
The site where Fort Independence once stood is now a California Historical Landmark. You can find a special marker about its history on Highway 395.
