Fort Atkinson, Kansas
Fort Atkinson, Kansas, a name etched in the annals of frontier history, stands as a testament to the United States Army’s efforts to establish a presence on the vast plains and protect the burgeoning Santa Fe Trail. Though little remains of the physical structure today, the story of Fort Atkinson resonates with tales of military life, encounters with Native American tribes, and the challenges of survival on the western frontier.
The initial establishment of Fort Atkinson occurred in August 1850, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Vose Sumner of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. The chosen location was the Middle Crossing of the Arkansas River, near what is now the town of Cimarron, Kansas. This site held strategic importance as a key point along the Santa Fe Trail, a vital trade route connecting the eastern United States with the Southwest.
Initially designated as Camp Mackay, this temporary encampment marked the first regular army post situated directly on the Santa Fe Trail, placing it squarely within the heart of Indian Country. The primary objective of Camp Mackay, and subsequently Fort Atkinson, Kansas, was to provide security for travelers and traders traversing the trail, while also serving as a deterrent to potential conflicts with Native American tribes inhabiting the region.
However, the location of Camp Mackay proved to be short-lived. Just a month after its establishment, Colonel E.V. Sumner, recognizing the strategic limitations of the site, ordered the post relocated downstream on the Arkansas River. The new location was situated approximately two miles west of present-day Dodge City, Kansas, offering what Sumner deemed a more advantageous position.
With the change in location came the construction of a more permanent fortification. Soldiers of the Sixth U.S. Infantry were tasked with building the new fort, utilizing sod as the primary construction material. Trees were scarce in this region of the Kansas plains, making sod a readily available and practical alternative for building walls and structures. This construction method, while expedient, also lent itself to the fort’s various nicknames.
Though officially renamed Fort Atkinson in June 1851, the post was affectionately known by several other names among the troops stationed there. "Camp Mackay" persisted as a familiar moniker, while "Fort Sumner," a tribute to the commanding officer, also gained popularity. Given its construction, "Fort Sod" became another common designation, a testament to the fort’s unique building material. However, the most colorful of these nicknames arose from a less desirable aspect of life at Fort Atkinson, Kansas.
As the sod buildings began to age, they became infested with field mice. These rodents proved to be a significant nuisance, not only damaging the structures themselves but also posing a threat to the fort’s provisions. The relentless infestation led the soldiers to sarcastically dub the post "Fort Sodom," a humorous yet telling commentary on the challenges of frontier life. A post office was officially established at Fort Atkinson, Kansas on November 11, 1851, providing a vital link to the outside world for the soldiers and civilians stationed there.
The primary purpose of Fort Atkinson, Kansas, was to maintain peace and order along the Santa Fe Trail. However, this proved to be a difficult task. On several occasions, the fort found itself surrounded by Comanche and Kiowa Indians. These tribes, wary of the increasing presence of settlers and the intrusion upon their traditional hunting grounds, sought to disrupt the fort’s supply lines, which stretched all the way back to Fort Leavenworth, some 370 miles to the east.
The vulnerability of Fort Atkinson’s supply lines, combined with other logistical challenges, ultimately led to its abandonment. In mid-May, orders were received directing the post to be relocated to Walnut Creek in Barton County. In June 1853, Major Robert Chilton arrived from Fort Leavenworth with a detachment of the First Dragoons to relieve the existing garrison. The soldiers then began the eastward journey to establish the "new" Fort Atkinson.
The post office at Fort Atkinson, Kansas, closed its doors on August 22, 1853, signaling the imminent abandonment of the site. On September 22, 1853, the original Fort Atkinson was officially abandoned, marking the end of its first chapter in frontier history.
However, the story of Fort Atkinson did not end there. In June 1854, the Sixth Infantry briefly reoccupied the post. But this reoccupation was short-lived. Just a few months later, in October, the fort was once again abandoned. This time, the buildings were deliberately destroyed to prevent their use by Native Americans, ensuring that the post would not become a strategic asset for those who might oppose the expansion of the United States.
Today, little remains of the original Fort Atkinson to mark its place in history. A small marker, located approximately two miles west of Dodge City, south of Highway 50, on the north side of the Arkansas River, stands as a silent reminder of the fort’s existence. This simple monument serves as a tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to reflect on the lives of the soldiers, traders, and Native Americans who once traversed these lands.
While the physical remnants of Fort Atkinson may be scarce, its legacy endures in the stories and historical records of the American West. The fort stands as a symbol of the challenges and complexities of frontier life, the interactions between different cultures, and the ongoing struggle to define the boundaries of a nation. The name Fort Atkinson, Kansas, evokes images of sod buildings, long supply lines, and the constant vigilance required to survive in a land that was both beautiful and unforgiving.
The history of Fort Atkinson, Kansas, serves as a valuable reminder of the sacrifices made by those who helped shape the American West. It prompts us to consider the perspectives of all those who were impacted by the westward expansion, from the soldiers who manned the fort to the Native American tribes who called this land home. Though the fort itself may be gone, its story continues to resonate, offering insights into a pivotal era in American history.