Fort Morgan (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fort Morgan
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U.S. military post
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| Nickname(s):
Camp Tyler, Camp Wardwell
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 Fort Morgan
Location in Colorado
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| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Morgan |
| City | Fort Morgan |
Fort Morgan was an important U.S. military post in Colorado. It was first known as Camp Tyler and later Camp Wardwell. This fort was built in 1864 in what is now the city of Fort Morgan, Colorado. It helped protect people traveling through the area. The fort operated for a few years, closing down in 1868. Today, a special marker in a city park remembers its history.
Why Was Fort Morgan Built?
The area where Fort Morgan stands was first settled around 1859. This was during the exciting Pike's Peak Gold Rush. About 100,000 people rushed to Colorado hoping to find gold. The safest way to travel was along the South Platte Trail.
In 1859, a new path was made near the present-day city of Fort Morgan, Colorado. This path helped travelers reach Denver faster. By the mid-1860s, a military post was needed. Its main job was to protect travelers and nearby ranchers from possible attacks by Native Americans.
Life and Soldiers at the Fort
The military post was also called Camp Wardwell for a time. In July 1865, it became a permanent fort. Soldiers built strong buildings using adobe and sod.
An interesting group of soldiers served here. They were Confederate prisoners of war. These men were nicknamed "galvanized rebels." They chose to join the Union Army instead of staying in prison camps. Captain M. H. Slater of the 1st Colorado Cavalry Regiment was one of the officers stationed at the fort. Their main goal was to keep the Overland Trail (also known as the South Platte Trail) safe for everyone.
The Fort's New Name and End
In 1866, the fort was renamed Fort Morgan. This was to honor Christopher Morgan. He was a commanding officer in the 1st Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. Sadly, he passed away on January 20, 1866.
Soon after, the Union Pacific Railroad began building tracks in the area. When the railway started offering train service, the fort was no longer needed. It was abandoned on May 18, 1868. Today, a historical marker stands at the fort's original site at 229 Riverview Avenue. The Fort Morgan chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution placed this marker.
