Fort Walla Walla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Walla Walla Historic District
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Fort Walla Walla in 1906.
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| Location | 77 Wainwright Drive, Walla Walla, Washington |
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| Built | 1858 |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001985 |
| Added to NRHP | April 16, 1974 |
Fort Walla Walla is a historic United States Army fort located in Walla Walla, Washington. It was an important military base in the American West.
The first Fort Walla Walla was built in July 1856. It was set up by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Steptoe and his soldiers. A second fort was used later that same year. The third and final military fort was built in 1858. This fort was next to a growing town called Steptoeville, which is now Walla Walla, Washington.
In 1859, the fort became a special military area. It covered 640 acres for military use. It also had more land for hay and timber. The fort closed down in 1910. Soldiers lowered the flag for the last time. It briefly reopened in 1917 to train soldiers for World War I.
Today, the fort's land is home to a park, a museum, and a medical center for veterans. Many original buildings from the military days are still there.
Contents
Who Stayed at Fort Walla Walla?
Many different U.S. Army units were stationed at Fort Walla Walla over the years. These units helped keep peace and protect settlers in the region.
Some of the units included:
- 4th Infantry Regiment (United States) (1856-1858)
- 1st Dragoons (1856-1861)
- 9th Infantry (1856-1861)
- 2nd California Volunteers (1861)
- 1st Washington Territorial Volunteer Infantry (1862-1865)
- 1st Oregon Volunteer Cavalry (1862-1865)
- 21st Infantry (1873-1875)
- 2nd Cavalry (1884-1890)
- 4th Cavalry (1890-1898)
- 24th Infantry (1899) - This included Buffalo Soldiers.
- 9th Cavalry (1902-1904) - Also included Buffalo Soldiers.
- 14th Cavalry (1905-1908)
United States Army Indian Scouts also worked with the soldiers from Fort Walla Walla. Many of these scouts were from the Nez Perce tribe. They helped save soldiers' lives during battles.
Important Military Actions
Soldiers from Fort Walla Walla took part in several important events.
The Battle of Pine Creek (1858)
In May 1858, Lieutenant Colonel Steptoe led troops north. They were investigating reports of miners being killed. However, they were attacked by a group of Spokane, Palouse, and Coeur d'Alene people. This happened near what is now Rosalia, Washington. The soldiers had to retreat.
The Battle of Four Lakes (1858)
In August 1858, Colonel George Wright led soldiers from the fort. This was after the loss at Pine Creek. His forces met a large group of Native Americans. This battle took place between present-day Cheney and Medical Lake. Near Liberty Lake, Colonel Wright's troops captured about 800 horses. Horses were very important to the tribes. Capturing them helped end the fighting.
Nez Perce War Battles (1877)
Soldiers from Fort Walla Walla were involved in the Nez Perce War.
- On June 17, 1877, soldiers fought in the Battle of White Bird Canyon. More than 30 U.S. soldiers died. There is a monument to them at the Fort Walla Walla Cemetery.
- From July 3 to 5, 1877, soldiers fought the Nez Perce at the Battle of Cottonwood. Ten soldiers were lost. Their remains are also buried at the Fort Walla Walla Cemetery.
Roads Connected to the Fort
Fort Walla Walla was connected to other important places by roads. These roads helped soldiers and supplies move around.
Naches Pass Road
The Naches Pass road connected Fort Walla Walla to Fort Steilacoom. Local residents built it in 1853. It was a difficult road to use because it had very steep parts.
Fort Walla Walla–Fort Colville Military Road
This road followed old Native American trails and fur trader routes. It went between Walla Walla and Kettle Falls. In 1859, Captain Pinkney Lugenbeel and his soldiers improved the road. This made it easier for wagons to travel.
Mullan Road
In July 1859, U.S. Army Lieutenant John Mullan started building a very long road. It was called the Mullan Road. It stretched 600 miles from Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton, Montana. This road went through the Rocky Mountains.
Fort Walla Walla Museum
The Fort Walla Walla Museum is a big part of the Fort Walla Walla Park. It covers 15 acres. The museum has four exhibit halls and a village that looks like a pioneer town.
The museum often has special "living history" performances. These show what life was like in the past. They also have programs for children.
Pioneer Village
The pioneer village has many old buildings. You can see cabins, a blacksmith shop, and old schools. There's also a jail, a train depot, and a doctor's office.
Exhibit Halls
The exhibit halls show many interesting things. You can see military weapons and tools. There are also old farming machines, antique vehicles, and firefighting trucks. You can also see old clothes and fabrics.
