Where is the Fort in Fort Collins?
Where is the Fort in Fort Collins?
There are few places in Colorado as steeped in historical intrigue as Fort Collins. Nestled in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, this town has a rich heritage that dates back to the mid-19th century. Its origins intertwined with the development of the American West. To understand the full story of Fort Collins, we must turn back the pages of history to its iconic centerpiece, the Fort.
The History
Camp Collins
The story of Fort Collins begins with the establishment of Camp Collins in 1862, an outpost of the U.S. Army situated near present-day Laporte. The Camp was named after Lt. Colonel William O. Collins, commander of the Ohio Cavalry troops stationed at Fort Laramie. Its primary mission was to protect the Overland mail route that ran along the base of the Rockies from altercations with Native Americans. However, in 1864, a flood wiped out the Camp, which paved the way for the creation of Fort Collins.
Following the flood, a decision was made to move the camp further down the Cache La Poudre River to a location less prone to flooding. It was at this new site, in August 1864, that Fort Collins was officially established. Unfortunately for the cool factor, this fort was not a typical military establishment with walls and towers. Instead, it was more of a military reservation consisting of various buildings, including a sawmill, a blacksmith, and a few adobe structures for soldiers.
Fort Collins
Between 1864 and 1866, the Fort played a pivotal role in fostering peaceful relations during a dynamic era in the American West. While it never saw direct combat, the Fort’s presence helped to prevent potential conflicts. Acting as a safeguard for the settlers in the region.
The military fort’s existence was brief, however. As interactions with Native American tribes evolved and the need for military oversight lessened, troops were withdrawn in 1866 and the Fort was decommissioned. It was eventually left unused, with many of its structures being dismantled or repurposed by the settlers over time.
Even with the military gone, people continued to settle around the area, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant water from the Cache La Poudre River. The former military reserve was platted into streets and lots and officially became a town in 1873. It was a focal point for agriculture and industry. Particularly after the arrival of the Colorado Central Railroad in 1877, which spurred the growth of the local economy.
From a Fort to a Town
Over time, Fort Collins transitioned from a frontier town to a vibrant city, while still holding onto its historic roots. Today, the original site of the Fort is marked by a historical monument, the “Old Fort Site”. Here one can find a stone marker and interpretive sign explaining the Fort’s history.
Fort Collins may not have a physical fort standing today, but its rich history and its origins as a military fort remain integral to its identity. This city, once a beacon of peace in a wild frontier, is now a thriving hub of culture, education, and industry. This is all while still preserving its unique heritage. The history encapsulated within Fort Collins’ fort stands as a vivid reflection of the tenacity and evolution that embodies the spirit of the American West. A story that’s interlaced into the very essence of this remarkable city.
Fort Collins Today
In exploring Fort Collins today, one can’t help but feel the echoes of the past. The vintage sandstone buildings, a whole lot of breweries, and the lush landscapes all serve as gentle reminders of its historical roots. Indeed, in Fort Collins, history isn’t just something to be read in textbooks. It’s a living, breathing entity that continues to shape the city’s unique character and charm.
Written by Nathan Weinland, leader of the Weinland Team at RE/MAX Alliance
Phone: (970) 690-4088
Email: Sales@TheWeinlandTeam.com
Written by fortcollinsexperience
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