Fort David A. Russell, Wyoming
Nestled just west of Cheyenne, Wyoming, stands a military installation with a rich and multifaceted history. Originally established as Fort David A. Russell, today it operates as Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, a vital component of the United States Air Force. Its story encompasses the westward expansion of the nation, the Indian Wars, the evolution of military technology, and the Cold War, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape and the annals of American military history.
The genesis of Fort David A. Russell can be traced back to 1867, a period of intense activity along the burgeoning transcontinental railroad. As the iron horse pushed westward, so too did the need for military protection and infrastructure. The fort was initially conceived to safeguard the railroad’s mountain region headquarters at Crow Creek Crossing, which would later blossom into the city of Cheyenne. Prior to the fort’s official establishment, U.S. Cavalry units were temporarily stationed within Cheyenne itself. However, in July of that year, they relocated three miles west to the designated site, marking the true beginning of the fort’s enduring legacy. The fort was named in honor of David Allen Russell, a valiant Civil War general who tragically lost his life at the Battle of Opequon in Virginia.
The initial construction of Fort David A. Russell was modest, reflecting the urgency of the situation and the limited resources available. However, its strategic importance quickly became apparent. In 1884, the War Department recognized the fort’s vital role and designated it as a permanent post. This decision was followed by a significant upgrade. In 1885, an order was issued to rebuild the post, transforming it into a robust installation capable of housing eight infantry companies.
This marked a pivotal moment in the fort’s development. The original wood-frame structures, typical of frontier outposts, were deemed insufficient for a permanent military presence. The troops themselves undertook the ambitious project of constructing 27 new buildings, utilizing durable red brick as the primary building material. These brick structures not only provided more substantial and comfortable accommodations but also symbolized the fort’s transition from a temporary encampment to a lasting military institution. The red brick buildings became a defining characteristic of Fort David A. Russell, contributing to its distinctive visual identity and lending an air of permanence to the landscape.
As the 20th century dawned, Fort David A. Russell experienced a period of significant growth and transformation. It evolved into one of the largest cavalry bases in the United States, a testament to the continued importance of mounted troops in the military strategy of the era. The early years of the century witnessed several expansions, further increasing the fort’s size and capacity. These expansions reflected the changing needs of the military and the growing strategic importance of the region.
The year 1919 marked a new chapter in the history of Fort David A. Russell with the establishment of an airfield. This addition signaled the growing importance of aviation in military operations. The airfield quickly became a hub of activity, serving as the home field for over 100 military aircraft. This transformation reflected the broader shift in military technology and the increasing integration of air power into the armed forces.
The era of cavalry dominance was drawing to a close. In 1927, the last cavalry units stationed at the fort were deactivated, marking the end of an era. The departure of the cavalry signaled a significant shift in the fort’s mission and a transition towards new technologies and strategies.
In 1930, the installation underwent a name change, becoming Fort Francis E. Warren. This renaming honored Francis E. Warren, a Medal of Honor recipient who had also served as the Governor of Wyoming. Warren’s distinguished service and contributions to the state made him a fitting namesake for the fort.
World War II brought new responsibilities and challenges to Fort Francis E. Warren. During the war years, the fort served as a vital training facility for the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps. Soldiers received specialized training in logistics and supply, preparing them for the crucial task of supporting troops on the front lines. In addition to its training role, the fort also housed a prisoner of war camp, reflecting the global scope of the conflict.
The post-war era brought further transformations. In 1949, the base was redesignated as Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, solidifying its role in the burgeoning United States Air Force. This change reflected the increasing importance of air power in national defense strategy. In 1958, the base became part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), a key component of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.
The Cold War brought a new level of significance to Francis E. Warren Air Force Base. In 1963, the base became the headquarters for the 90th Strategic Missile Wing, a unit responsible for maintaining and operating intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). These missiles, armed with nuclear warheads, stood as a constant deterrent against potential adversaries, playing a crucial role in the balance of power during the Cold War. The presence of these ICBMs transformed the base into a critical strategic asset, making it a key target in the event of a nuclear conflict.
In October 1993, another significant event occurred when the Twentieth Air Force relocated its headquarters to Fort Warren. The Twentieth Air Force is responsible for all of the Air Force’s ICBMs, further solidifying the base’s role as a center of strategic importance.
Throughout its long and storied history, Fort David A. Russell/Francis E. Warren Air Force Base has served as home to numerous influential American military leaders. Figures such as Carl Spaatz, a key architect of the Air Force; John "Black Jack" Pershing, a celebrated general who led American forces in World War I; Billy Mitchell, a visionary advocate for air power; Walter Reed, a pioneering medical researcher; and Mark Clark, a prominent general in World War II, all spent time at the fort, contributing to its rich legacy.
Today, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base stands as a testament to the enduring importance of military readiness and national defense. Its historical significance has been recognized through its designation as a National Historic Landmark. While it remains an active air force base, it also provides a museum for visitors, offering a glimpse into its fascinating past and the evolution of the American military. The museum allows visitors to explore the history of Fort David A. Russell and its transformation into the modern Air Force base that it is today.