Fort Seward (1)

Fort Seward (1872-1877) - A U.S. Army post established in 27 May 1872 by Captain John C. Bates of the 20th U.S. Infantry to provide protection for the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway. The fort was initially named Camp Sykes after Colonel George Sykes, 20th U.S. Infantry and later designated Fort Cross on 7 Sep 1872. Finally, in 1873, the name was changed to Fort Seward after William H. Seward, Secretary of State under President Lincoln. Abandoned on 14 Jul 1877.

Fort Seward Plan, 1877

Fort Seward Officer's Quarters, 1872

Fort Seward History

Fort Seward was a three Company post with about 120 men from the 20th U.S. Infantry stationed there. It guarded the Northern Pacific Railroad bridge crossing the James River.

After the fort was abandoned on 14 Jul 1877, it was dismantled and sent North 81 miles to Fort Totten. The military reservation was transferred to the Interior Department 22 Apr 1889.

Current Status

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Location: 605 10th Ave. NW, Jamestown, Stutsman County, ND Maps & Images Lat: 46.914548 Long: -98.721169 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 1450'

Sources:

• Frazer, Robert W., Forts of the West, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman OK, 1965, ISBN 0-8061-1250-6, page 114
• Hart, Herbert M., Tour Guide to Old Western Forts, Pruett Publishing Co., Boulder CO, 1980, ISBN 0-87108-568-2, page 116
• Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 633

Links:

• North American Forts - Fort Seward

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