Fort Garland: Difference between revisions
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Fort Garland came to be because nearby [[Fort Massachusetts (4)|Fort Massachusetts]] proved to be unhealthy and poorly situated. Moving the post six miles to the south into the San Luis Valley from the base of Blanca Peak would make a big difference in the health of the troops and reduced the vulnerability of the post to surprise attack. A 25 year lease was negotiated by the U.S. Government for land in the valley on 17 July 1857 and construction began on the new fort. The adobe construction was accomplished by men from Company E, [[U.S. Mounted Riflemen]] and civilian laborers experienced in the method. On 24 Jun 1858 [[Fort Massachusetts]] was abandoned and the garrison moved to the almost complete Fort Garland. | Fort Garland came to be because nearby [[Fort Massachusetts (4)|Fort Massachusetts]] proved to be unhealthy and poorly situated. Moving the post six miles to the south into the San Luis Valley from the base of Blanca Peak would make a big difference in the health of the troops and reduced the vulnerability of the post to surprise attack. A 25 year lease was negotiated by the U.S. Government for land in the valley on 17 July 1857 and construction began on the new fort. The adobe construction was accomplished by men from Company E, [[U.S. Mounted Riflemen]] and civilian laborers experienced in the method. On 24 Jun 1858 [[Fort Massachusetts]] was abandoned and the garrison moved to the almost complete Fort Garland. | ||
The post was built as an open plan adobe post with the majority of buildings grouped around a central parade. On the north side was the officer's quarters, with quarters for nine officers including medical officers. On the east side was the cavalry barracks and on the west side was the infantry barracks. The south side contained the administrative and functional spaces. Additional outlying buildings housed the commissary, blacksmith and stables. | The post was built as an open plan adobe post with the majority of buildings grouped around a central parade. On the north side was the officer's quarters, with quarters for nine officers including medical officers. On the east side was the cavalry barracks and on the west side was the infantry barracks. The south side contained the administrative and functional spaces. Additional outlying buildings housed the commissary, blacksmith and stables. The original construction provided for a garrison of seven officers and two 100 man companies. The adobe construction provided a degree of comfort from the heat in summer and some protection from the severe winters but the quarters were spartan and the weather took a toll on the men. | ||
==Current Status == | ==Current Status == | ||
Revision as of 19:06, 27 September 2011
Fort Garland (1858-1883) - A U.S. Army post first established in 1858 by Captain Thomas Duncan, 3rd U.S. Infantry, with men from Company E, U.S. Mounted Riflemen and civilian laborers in Costilla County, Colorado. Named after Brigadier General John Garland, Commander of the Ninth Military District. Abandoned in 1883.
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Fort Garland History
Fort Garland came to be because nearby Fort Massachusetts proved to be unhealthy and poorly situated. Moving the post six miles to the south into the San Luis Valley from the base of Blanca Peak would make a big difference in the health of the troops and reduced the vulnerability of the post to surprise attack. A 25 year lease was negotiated by the U.S. Government for land in the valley on 17 July 1857 and construction began on the new fort. The adobe construction was accomplished by men from Company E, U.S. Mounted Riflemen and civilian laborers experienced in the method. On 24 Jun 1858 Fort Massachusetts was abandoned and the garrison moved to the almost complete Fort Garland.
The post was built as an open plan adobe post with the majority of buildings grouped around a central parade. On the north side was the officer's quarters, with quarters for nine officers including medical officers. On the east side was the cavalry barracks and on the west side was the infantry barracks. The south side contained the administrative and functional spaces. Additional outlying buildings housed the commissary, blacksmith and stables. The original construction provided for a garrison of seven officers and two 100 man companies. The adobe construction provided a degree of comfort from the heat in summer and some protection from the severe winters but the quarters were spartan and the weather took a toll on the men.
Current Status
Part of the Fort Garland Museum operated by the Colorado Historical Society in Fort Garland, Costilla County, Colorado
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Location: Fort Garland Museum, Fort Garland, Costilla County, Colorado. Maps & Images Lat: 37.423864 Long: -105.432315 |
Sources:
- 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 106
- Hart, Herbert M., Tour Guide to Old Western Forts, Pruett Publishing Co., Boulder CO, 1980, ISBN 0-87108-568-2, page 43
- Fort Garland Museum: A Capsule History and Guide, Colorado Historical Society, 2005
Links:
Visited: 25 Sep 2011
Fort Garland Picture Gallery
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Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better! |