Fort Mitchell, Nebraska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Mitchell Site
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Nebraska historical marker beside Nebraska Highway 92, commemorating Fort Mitchell.
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| Nearest city | Scottsbluff, Nebraska |
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| Area | 20 acres (8.1 ha) |
| Built | 1864 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001713 |
| Added to NRHP | June 07, 1978 |
Fort Mitchell, Nebraska, was an important Army fort that operated from 1864 to 1867. It was located in what is now Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. This fort played a key role in protecting travelers during a busy time in American history.
Contents
Why Was Fort Mitchell Built?
Protecting Early Travelers
Fort Mitchell was first built in the autumn of 1864. It was originally called Camp Shuman. The fort was set up by soldiers from Company "H" of the 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. Their leader was Captain J. S. Shuman.
The fort was named after General Robert B. Mitchell. He ordered the fort to be built to keep people safe. Its main job was to protect travelers on the Great Platte River Road. This was a very important route for pioneers and settlers heading west. The road stretched between Julesburg and South Pass. The fort also protected the nearby Scott's Bluff stage station, a stop for stagecoaches.
What the Fort Looked Like
Fort Mitchell was built with a stockade. A stockade is a fence made of strong wooden posts. It had a sally port, which was a secret or small opening for soldiers to leave quickly. The fort also had firing loopholes. These were small openings in the walls for soldiers to shoot through safely. A sentinel tower allowed guards to watch for danger from above.
The fort was made of sod, which is like thick grass and soil cut into blocks. Today, there are no visible signs of the fort left. It was located west of the North Platte River bend, near Scott's Bluff.
What Happened to Fort Mitchell?
Fort Mitchell was only used for a few years. It was closed down after the Fort Laramie peace conference in 1867. This conference was a meeting where peace agreements were made.
The names of Mitchell Pass and the city of Mitchell, Nebraska, both come from this historic military post.
