As the explorers traveled West, as traders and trappers set up shop, and as missionaries moved in to the Louisiana Purchase area, there was a lot of nervousness about Native Americans. In the East, there was history of Indian wars. The perception was that Indians were dangerous and that the Europeans needed protection. The reality in these early years was that there were only occasional skirmishes, but that didn't affect the perception.
Recreation of a soldier on watch at Fort Atkinson. Source — Nebraskaland Magazine. |
So, within 15 years of the Lewis and Clark Expedition there were loud demands for the Government of the United States to provide protection. The government responded and in 1819, For Atkinson became the first U.S. military post west of the Missouri River. It was built on the same bluffs that Lewis and Clark had held their first Council with the Oto. Protection was not the only reason the fort was built -- it was also charged with resolving disputes between the various Indians tribes and to limit foreign encroachment onto the plains. Within a few short years, there were over 1,000 soldiers garrisoned at the post.
Despite these serious purposes and despite the fact that the log barracks walls were built with gun slits pointing to the outside, the fort was never attacked.
As more and more Europeans moved in during the 19th Century, Fort Atkinson was followed by Forts Omaha, Crook, McPherson, Hartsuff, Niobrara, Robinson, Mitchell, Grattan, Sidney, Forts Kearny 1 & 2, and Plum Creek Station.
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 A panorama view of the reconstructed interior of a Ft. Atkinson barracks room. Source - NETV.
You can move around a QuickTime VR panorama of the Fort, including the barracks, here.
You'll need the QuickTime Player. |
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