Fort Lincoln (Kansas) facts for kids

Fort Lincoln was a temporary military post built during the American Civil War. It was set up in Kansas in 1861 to help protect Union (Northern) forces and local towns from Confederate (Southern) attacks. Even though it was important for a short time, it was eventually destroyed and never rebuilt.

Fort Lincoln: A Civil War Outpost

Fort Lincoln was created on August 24, 1861, by U.S. Senator James Lane. Lane was a leader for the Union side during the Civil War. He had just reopened another important military post called Fort Scott. However, soldiers from the Confederate army, led by Sterling Price, soon threatened Fort Scott.

Why Fort Lincoln Was Built

To keep everyone safe, Senator Lane moved about 1,200 soldiers. He also moved many people from the town of Fort Scott and some families who had fled from Missouri. They all went about 15 miles northwest of Fort Scott. This new spot, on low ground near the Little Osage River, became Fort Lincoln. It was named after President Abraham Lincoln. Some people thought it was a bad spot because it was hard to see enemies coming. It also often flooded when it rained a lot.

What Fort Lincoln Looked Like

The fort had several buildings. These were surrounded by a large dirt wall, or "earthwork embankment," about 5-foot-high (1.5 m). This wall was meant to protect the soldiers inside. One big building, called a blockhouse, was later moved to Fort Scott around 1864. It helped protect that town and its military post. A small town, also called Fort Lincoln, was built by Lane outside the fort in 1861.

Life at the Fort

By September 1861, the danger to Fort Scott had passed. Senator Lane took most of his soldiers from Fort Lincoln. Only about 300 infantry (foot soldiers) and cavalry (horse soldiers) stayed behind. In 1862, the fort became a prison camp for Confederate soldiers. It was guarded by black Union soldiers. Later, in April 1863, white troops took over guarding the camp. Between May and August 1863, the military stopped using Fort Lincoln completely.

The End of Fort Lincoln

After the military left, a man named George Walrod moved his family into the empty fort. He tried to keep it going by himself. Sadly, Walrod died in October 1863. During the winter, a local group of armed citizens, called a militia, formed in the area. They probably used Fort Lincoln for a while. However, on October 25, 1864, Confederate soldiers under General Price destroyed the fort as they retreated. Fort Lincoln was never rebuilt. The small town of Fort Lincoln also slowly disappeared over time.