Fort Klamath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Klamath |
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| Klamath County, Oregon | |
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Fort Klamath guard house
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| Type | Military base |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | United States Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1863 |
| In use | 1863–1890 |
| Materials | wood |
| Battles/wars | Modoc Wars |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
Edward Canby |
| Garrison | 14th Infantry Regiment |
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Fort Klamath Site
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 Location in Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Fort Klamath, Oregon |
| Built | 1863 |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000680 |
| Added to NRHP | October 07, 1971 |
Fort Klamath was an important army base in Oregon, United States. It was located near Crater Lake National Park and Upper Klamath Lake in Klamath County. The Fort Klamath Site, which is about one mile southeast of the town of Fort Klamath, Oregon, is a special historical place. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
History of Fort Klamath
Fort Klamath was built in 1863. It was a very important Army base. The fort played a role during times when the army and local Native American tribes had disagreements or battles. These tribes included the Klamath, Modoc, and Northern Paiute tribes.
Life at the Fort
The fort was quite large, with more than 50 buildings. It even had its own sawmill. In 1873, four Modoc men, including their leader Kintpuash, were put to death at the fort. This happened because of the killing of General Edward Canby during the Modoc War. Their graves are still at the fort today.
Closing of the Fort
A post office opened at Fort Klamath in 1879. By the mid-1880s, the people living in the area no longer needed the army's protection. So, in 1889, the army decided to close the fort. After a very snowy winter with over 6 meters (20 feet) of snow, the soldiers left. The troops from Company I of the 14th Infantry Regiment moved to Vancouver Barracks on June 23, 1890.
Fort Klamath Museum
Today, a part of the old fort area is kept as a park and museum. This area is about 3.2 hectares (8 acres) and is managed by Klamath County, Oregon. The Fort Klamath Museum is in a new building. This building looks like the fort's original guardhouse and stands in the same spot.
The Fort Klamath site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
