Forts Built to Protect Settlers| Forts Built to Protect Settlers |
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Fort Kearny:
Life at Fort Kearny
Fort Kearny (which was first named Fort Childs) was moved to the Platte River in 1848, and would become one of the most prominent manmade landmarks on the Oregon Trail. Yet, its beginnings were not auspicious. The few sod buildings and the small compliment of poorly equipped soldiers received only passing mention in early emigrant diaries and letters. The letters of Pvt. William Wilson Ingraham to his brother in Peoria, Illinois, are a rare exception, providing a word picture of life at both the original Fort Kearny on the Missouri River and new Fort Kearny on the Platte. Also, there are reports by Capt. Charles Frederick Ruff that describe conditions at the new fort when he took command of the installation late in 1848. Tappan Diaries William Henry Tappan His diary, segmented below, begins in April of 1848. The unit was about to embark on its trip to the future site of the second Fort Kearney along the Platte. Tappan made reference to his sketches, as well as recording his experiences and interactions with soldiers, Native Americans, Mormons and others. He writes about plains vegetation, land formations, weather extremes, and animals, which undoubtedly were exotic to the New Englander. In early October Tappan left Fort Childs. The diary ends during his return trip aboard an Ohio River Steamboat. Fort Kearney Letters Private William Wilson Ingraham Ingraham was born on July 24, 1826, to Harry E. and Content Wilson Ingraham in Kickapoo, Illinois. He died on June 9, 1888. In his letters Ingraham wrote about the possibility of going to Mexico, Oregon, or Missouri after he left the army. Whichever path he ultimately chose seems to have led to obscurity.
Captain Charles F. Ruff
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