Fort Umpqua facts for kids
Fort Umpqua was an important trading post built a long time ago. It was set up by the Hudson's Bay Company, a big fur trading business. This fort was located in what is now the state of Oregon. It was first built in 1832 and then moved and rebuilt in 1836.
The main purpose of Fort Umpqua was to help with the fur trade. People traded animal furs like beaver and otter. The fort was placed near the Umpqua River and other rivers like the Rogue River and Klamath River. This made it easy to trade with different groups of people in the area.
In 1841, a group called the United States Exploring Expedition visited Fort Umpqua. This expedition was led by Charles Wilkes.
Sadly, on November 15, 1851, a fire destroyed Fort Umpqua. The trading post was then closed permanently in 1854.
A Second Fort Umpqua
Later, another fort was built with the same name. This second Fort Umpqua was started in 1856. It was built after a conflict called the Rogue River War ended.
This new fort was located closer to the mouth of the Umpqua River, near a town called Gardiner, Oregon. It had buildings like a blockhouse and barracks for soldiers. These buildings were made from parts of an older fort called Fort Orford.
Soldiers stayed at this fort until the conflicts with Native American tribes became less frequent. The second Fort Umpqua was closed in 1862. Later, the old blockhouse and soldiers' barracks were moved into town. They became a memorial to remember the fort's history.
