Fort James (2)

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Fort James (2) (1865-1866) - A U.S. Civil War era Union Fort established in 1865 near present-day Mitchell in Hanson County, South Dakota. Originally known as Camp near Firesteel Creek. Also known as Fort La Roche (or Larouche) or Fort Des Roche. Abandoned in 1866.

James River (left) & Firesteel Creek (right) just above Fort James Location.

History

Built by Iowa cavalry troops under the command of Captain Benjamin King, 6th Iowa Cavalry, on the orders of Brigadier General Alfred Sully. The fort was said to be located on the west side of the James River at Firesteel Creek. Constructed in September 1865.

Constructed as a quadrangular stone and log fortification, one of the few forts built with stone on the plains. Established for stagecoach and frontier protection.

Fort James was abandoned on 6 Oct 1866, and the remaining materials, including stone, were used for private construction.

Current Status

Archeological remains only with some foundational stone visible at the surface.


Location: Near Mitchell in Hanson County, South Dakota.
Gps coordinates are at the James River junction with Firesteel Creek.
Maps & Images

Lat: 43.69679 Long: -97.96622



GPS Locations:

See Also:

Sources:

Links:

Visited: 14 Jul 2020 Area


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