Fort Ruby facts for kids
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Fort Ruby
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Archeological activity at Fort Ruby
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 Location in Nevada
Location in the United States
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| Location | White Pine County, Nevada, USA |
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| Nearest city | Hobson, Nevada |
| Built | 1862 |
| Built by | 3rd Infantry, California Vol. |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000460 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | November 5, 1961 |
Fort Ruby, also called Camp Ruby, was a military post built in 1862. The United States Army built it during the American Civil War. It was located in the wild eastern part of Nevada.
The fort's main job was to protect mail coaches and the Pony Express. This helped keep communication lines open between California and the Union states. Fort Ruby was active from 1862 to 1869. It was in an area where Western Shoshone people lived. The fort was near Hobson, on the west side of Ruby Lake. It sat at the east entrance to the Overland Pass from Ruby Valley.
Contents
Protecting the Overland Route
Fort Ruby was very important for travelers and mail. It made sure people could safely pass through the area. This route was vital for connecting the eastern and western parts of the United States.
The Need for Protection
During the Civil War, the Union needed to stay connected. Mail and messages had to travel quickly and safely. The fort helped protect these important routes. It also helped with building railroads and other projects.
Treaty of Ruby Valley
To ensure safe travel and development, the U.S. government signed a special agreement. This was the Treaty of Ruby Valley in 1863. It was signed with twelve chiefs of the Western Shoshone people.
What the Treaty Said
The treaty allowed the U.S. to use the land for travel and mining. The U.S. needed gold to help pay for the Civil War. However, the Western Shoshone did not give up ownership of their land. The U.S. also promised to pay the Western Shoshone $5,000 each year for 20 years. These payments were supposed to be in goods and livestock. Sadly, the U.S. government only made payments for the first year.
Fort Ruby's Legacy
Fort Ruby is an important historical site today. It helps us remember a key time in American history. It shows how the U.S. expanded westward and interacted with Native American tribes.
National Historic Landmark
In 1961, the site of Fort Ruby was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a place of great historical importance. At that time, some of the original log buildings were still standing.
Changes Over Time
Unfortunately, two of the four landmarked buildings burned in a fire in 1992. The remaining log structures were already in poor condition. They have changed and worn down a lot since 1961. Because of this, the government is looking at its landmark status again.
Recent Discoveries
In 2002, the site became federal land. Since then, experts have been exploring Fort Ruby. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service are working together. They are doing archaeological digs to learn more about the fort's past. This helps us understand what life was like on the frontier.
