Fort Zarah facts for kids
Fort Zarah was an important fort in Kansas. It was located near what is now Great Bend, Kansas, in Barton County, Kansas. This fort was used for a short time, from 1864 to 1869.
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Why Fort Zarah Was Built
In July 1864, a temporary camp called Camp Dunlap was set up. This was because travelers and settlers faced many dangers from local Native American tribes. The camp was located about two miles east of modern-day Great Bend, where the famous Santa Fe Trail crossed Walnut Creek.
At first, Camp Dunlap was just tents and dugouts near a trading post called Rath Ranch. But workers quickly started building a stronger, more permanent fort nearby. This new fort was named Fort Zarah. In 1866, a second Fort Zarah was built about half a mile up the river. The fort was officially closed in 1869.
Famous People at Fort Zarah
Even though Fort Zarah was only active for a few years, many famous people visited it. The fort saw some conflicts with local Native American tribes.
Some of the well-known figures who were there include:
- George Armstrong Custer, a famous army officer.
- Wild Bill Hickok, a legendary lawman and gunfighter.
- Buffalo Bill Cody, a famous scout and showman.
- Kit Carson, a famous frontiersman and scout.
- Satank, a respected Kiowa chief.
How Fort Zarah Got Its Name
Fort Zarah was established in 1864 by General Samuel R. Curtis. He named the fort after his son, Major H. Zarah Curtis.
Major Curtis had been killed on October 6, 1863, during an event known as the Baxter Springs massacre. He was one of about 90 Union soldiers who lost their lives when they were attacked by a group called Quantrill's Raiders. These raiders had disguised themselves as Union soldiers.
The Town of Zarah
A small town also grew up around Fort Zarah. This town was also called Zarah. At its busiest, Zarah had several buildings. These included a hotel, two saloons, and a blacksmith shop. There was also a place to keep horses called a livery stable, a general store, and a post office. Many homes were built there too.
Thousands of Texas cattle were kept in Zarah during the winter months. Today, the town of Zarah is gone. The area is now a wheat field about three miles east of Great Bend. The last person living in Zarah left in 1875, about six years after the fort closed.
The Trading Post at Walnut Creek
Fort Zarah was built near an important trading post. This trading post was located where the Santa Fe Trail crossed Walnut Creek. It was first set up in 1855.
Over the years, this trading post was known by different names. It was called the Allison/Boothe Ranch, the Peacock Ranch, the Rath Ranch, or the Douglas trading post. The name depended on who was running it at the time. Sadly, the trading post was destroyed in May 1868.
