Fort McKinney, Wyoming

The history of Fort McKinney in Wyoming is etched deep within the landscape of the American West, a testament to the tumultuous period of westward expansion and the complex relationship between the U.S. government, Native American tribes, and the burgeoning settlements that sought to claim the land. Before it became the established military installation known as Fort McKinney, the site served a more rudimentary purpose as Cantonment Reno.

Cantonment Reno was strategically positioned on the west bank of the Powder River. This temporary base acted as a vital supply depot for General George Crook’s ambitious Big Horn Expedition. Crook’s expedition was a significant military endeavor aimed at asserting U.S. control over the region and engaging with Native American tribes who resisted the encroachment of settlers. The location on the Powder River was crucial for providing logistical support, ensuring that Crook’s forces had the necessary provisions and equipment to operate effectively in the challenging terrain.

The post was later formally established and christened Fort McKinney, a name chosen to honor Lieutenant John McKinney, a fallen officer who lost his life in the nearby Dull Knife Battle of 1876. This battle was a key engagement in the ongoing conflicts between the U.S. Army and the Native American tribes of the region. Renaming the fort after Lieutenant McKinney served as a tribute to his sacrifice and a symbol of the military’s commitment to securing the territory.

However, the initial location of Fort McKinney proved to be unsustainable. By 1878, the fort faced significant logistical challenges, primarily stemming from shortages of both water and lumber. These resources were essential for the fort’s operation, providing for the basic needs of the soldiers stationed there and enabling the construction and maintenance of the fort’s infrastructure. The scarcity of these vital resources forced the U.S. Army to make a strategic decision: relocate the fort to a more suitable location.

The decision was made to move Fort McKinney approximately 45 miles northwest to the area near present-day Buffalo, Wyoming. This new location offered a more reliable supply of water and timber, addressing the critical shortages that plagued the original site. The relocation marked a new chapter in the fort’s history, positioning it to play an even more prominent role in the region’s development.

By the late 1870s, the most significant battles of the Indian Wars were drawing to a close. While conflicts and tensions still existed, the large-scale military campaigns that had characterized the earlier years were becoming less frequent. As a result, the primary objective of Fort McKinney shifted. No longer focused solely on direct military engagement, the fort’s mission evolved to one of maintaining peace and order.

One of the key aspects of this new mission was to ensure that the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes did not resume armed conflict against the U.S. government and settlers. These tribes had been among the most resistant to westward expansion, and the U.S. Army sought to prevent any further uprisings. Fort McKinney served as a deterrent, a constant reminder of the military’s presence and power in the region.

In addition to maintaining peace with the Sioux and Cheyenne, Fort McKinney also played a crucial role in mediating relations between various Native American tribes. The Crow, Arapaho, and Shoshone tribes, while generally more amenable to the U.S. government, still faced internal conflicts and tensions with each other and with the influx of new settlers into the Powder River Basin. The fort served as a neutral ground for negotiations and a source of stability in a region undergoing rapid transformation.

The fort’s role extended beyond interactions with Native American tribes. It also became involved in maintaining law and order among the growing population of settlers and ranchers who were establishing themselves in the area. This included dealing with disputes over land, resources, and other issues that inevitably arose as the region developed.

One of the most significant events in which Fort McKinney played a pivotal role was the Johnson County War of 1892. This conflict, also known as the Johnson County Range War, was a violent struggle between wealthy cattlemen and smaller ranchers and homesteaders in Johnson County, Wyoming. The cattlemen, backed by hired gunslingers from Texas, sought to maintain their control over the open range and suppress any challenges to their dominance.

The violence escalated to a point where President Benjamin Harrison was compelled to intervene. He ordered troops stationed at Fort McKinney to take action and restore order. The soldiers were instructed to stop the fighting and escort the cattlemen and their hired gunslingers out of the area, preventing further bloodshed. This intervention was crucial in preventing a full-scale civil war in Johnson County and ensuring the safety of the residents of Buffalo.

After years of service, the post was deemed no longer necessary and was officially closed in 1894. The closure reflected the changing dynamics of the American West, as the frontier era drew to a close and the region became more settled and stable. The need for a large military presence diminished, and many forts like Fort McKinney were decommissioned.

Today, the site of Fort McKinney serves a new purpose as the home of the Wyoming Soldiers and Sailors Home. This institution provides care and support for veterans of the U.S. armed forces, honoring their service and sacrifice. The transformation of the fort into a veterans’ home is a fitting tribute to the military history of the site.

Despite the passage of time and the changes in its function, remnants of Fort McKinney still stand as tangible links to the past. Three of the original buildings from the fort era have been preserved and remain on the site. These historic structures serve as a reminder of the fort’s role in shaping the history of Wyoming and the American West. Visitors can explore these buildings and learn about the lives of the soldiers, settlers, and Native Americans who were all touched by the presence of Fort McKinney.