Fort Wallace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Wallace |
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| near Wallace, Kansas | |
 Fort Wallace
Fort Wallace
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| Coordinates | 38°54′18″N 101°33′34″W / 38.90500°N 101.55944°W |
| Type | Military base |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | United States |
| Condition | Dismantled |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1865 |
| Built by | U.S. Army |
| In use | 1865-1882 |
| Demolished | 1886 |
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison | 2nd Cavalry Regiment 5th Infantry Regiment 6th Infantry Regiment 7th Cavalry Regiment 9th Cavalry Regiment |
| Occupants | George Custer George Forsyth |
Fort Wallace was an important military fort built by the U.S. Army around 1865. It was located in Wallace County, Kansas. The fort's main job was to protect settlers. These settlers were moving into the area and sometimes faced raids from Cheyenne and Sioux tribes.
Fort Wallace was used for about 17 years, from 1865 to 1882. During this time, it was one of the most important military outposts on the American frontier. Today, most of the fort is gone, but its cemetery still remains.
Visiting the Fort Wallace Museum
Even though the fort itself is no longer standing, you can learn all about it at a museum. The Fort Wallace Museum is located nearby in the town of Wallace. It is run by private citizens.
At the museum, you can see many interesting things. There are items that were actually used at the fort. You can also see old photos and copies of items from that time. The museum has lots of information about the fort's history. It also tells the story of how the Great Plains region was settled.
One special display is a copy of a plesiosaur fossil. This ancient sea creature was discovered by Dr. Turner and Scout William Comstock. They found it in the area around Fort Wallace. In 2017, the museum added new displays. These include models of some of the old fort buildings. They also show buildings from the original town of Wallace.
Where is Fort Wallace Now?
The original Fort Wallace is no longer there. However, the old Fort Wallace cemetery still exists. It is located right next to the Wallace Township Cemetery. You can find it at 38°54′23″N 101°33′36″W / 38.90639°N 101.56000°W.
