Fort Wilkins (1)

Fort Wilkins (1) (1844-1870) - First established in 1844 at Copper Harbor in Keweenaw County, Michigan. Constructed by two companies of the 5th U.S. Infantry under General Hugh Brady and Capt. R.E. Cleary. Named after Secretary of War William Wilkins. Abandoned in 1870.

Fort Wilkins Entrance

Fort Wilkins (1) History

Originally established on 28 May 1844 by two companies of the 5th U.S. Infantry from Detroit to protect copper miners from Chippewa Indians. Deactivated on 24 Jul 1846 when the garrison left for the Mexican War. Reactivated in 1867 after the U.S. Civil War. Finally abandoned on 30 Aug 1870.

Current Status

Part of Fort Wilkins State Park. Surviving and restored features include:

Kitchen and Mess Room Company Quarters Officers' Quarters Hospital Powder Magazine Ice House Sutler Building

Storehouse Bakery Married Enlisted Men's Quarters Copper Mine Sites Blacksmith Shop Guardhouse Stockade

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Location: On Keweenaw Point, near Copper Harbor, Keweenaw County, Michigan. Maps & Images Lat: 47.4662936 Long: -87.8648312 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 620'

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 425

Links:

• North American Forts - Fort Wilkins
• Official State Park Site

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Fort Wilkins (1) Picture Gallery

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