Fort Mitchell, Nebraska
Fort Mitchell, Nebraska, a fleeting testament to the tumultuous era of westward expansion, stood for a mere three years in what is now Scotts Bluff County, in the western reaches of the state. Its brief existence, however, speaks volumes about the challenges and transformations that defined the American West during the mid-19th century.
The story of Fort Mitchell is inextricably linked to the cataclysmic events of the Civil War. As the nation fractured, the Federal Government’s resources were stretched thin, particularly in the vast and often lawless territories west of the Mississippi. The withdrawal of U.S. soldiers to fight for the Union in the East left emigrants and other travelers along the overland trails increasingly vulnerable to attack. The urgency to maintain communication and supply lines became paramount. Adding to this sense of urgency was the establishment of the Pony Express in 1860, which followed the Oregon Trail past Scotts Bluff. In 1861, daily stagecoach service commenced along the same route, coinciding with the completion of the transcontinental telegraph line. These developments, while representing progress, also made the region a more attractive target.
The increased traffic and perceived encroachment on Native American lands fueled a surge in Indian raids. Beginning in 1861, Sioux and Cheyenne war parties launched frequent attacks on telegraph lines, overland mail services, stagecoaches, and wagon trains. These attacks highlighted the urgent need for increased military presence. In response, the government found it necessary to establish a network of small military outposts along the Oregon Trail. Among these was Fort Mitchell, Nebraska, strategically positioned near Scotts Bluff. The fort and the nearby pass through the bluffs derived their name from General Robert B. Mitchell, the commander of the military district of Nebraska, solidifying its place in regional history.
The design and construction of Fort Mitchell, Nebraska, were overseen by Colonel William Collins of Fort Laramie, Wyoming. As an outpost of Fort Laramie, it aimed to address the shortage of troops available to effectively patrol the vast territory and protect against Indian raids. Constructed in 1864, the fort was a rectangular structure measuring 180 by 100 feet. Its walls were made of sod and adobe, materials readily available on the plains. Inside, the fort comprised essential facilities: barracks to house the soldiers, workshops for necessary repairs and maintenance, and a horse corral to secure the animals crucial for transportation and patrol. Company H of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, under the command of Captain J. S. Shuman, was assigned to garrison the fort. This unit was tasked with maintaining order and providing security to the surrounding area. Soldiers from Fort Mitchell, Nebraska, played a role in a notable skirmish with Sioux and Cheyenne Indians at Mud Springs in 1865. This conflict arose from the aftermath of the Sand Creek Massacre in Colorado in 1864, a tragic event in which hundreds of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians were killed, escalating tensions and leading to retaliatory actions.
Two accounts from travelers passing through the area in 1866 offer valuable insights into the fort’s appearance and atmosphere. Julius C. Birge, a traveler on the Oregon Trail, noted the presence of soldiers at Fort Mitchell, Nebraska, intended to project the power of the U.S. government. However, he also observed that the small garrison was a "feeble menace" compared to the large number of dissatisfied warriors roaming the plains. The wife of Colonel Henry B. Carrington, who was traveling with her husband on an expedition to the Powder River country, provided a more detailed description of the fort’s layout: "Almost immediately after leaving the Bluff, and at the foot of the descent, after the gorge is passed, we find Fort Mitchell. This is a sub-post of Fort Laramie of peculiar style and compactness. The walls of the quarters are also the outlines of the fort itself, and the four sides of the rectangle are, respectively, the quarters of officers, soldiers, and horses, and the warehouse of supplies. Windows open into the court or parade ground, and bedrooms, as well as all apartments, are loop-holed for defense." Her description highlights the fort’s compact design, where the outer walls served as both the perimeter defense and the walls of the internal structures. The loop-holed windows underscored the constant state of alert and the ever-present threat of attack.
Following the conclusion of the Civil War, the United States government gradually regained control over the region. As a result, the strategic importance of Fort Mitchell, Nebraska, diminished, and the post became unnecessary. In recognition of the changing circumstances, the United States Government made the decision to abandon the fort. Its brief but impactful existence came to an end, leaving behind only remnants of its structures and a collection of artifacts.
Today, the site of Fort Mitchell is regarded as an important archeological site. The artifacts uncovered there, including tools, weapons, personal belongings, and other objects used during the fort’s occupation, provide valuable insights into the daily lives of the soldiers and civilians who lived and worked there. The site offers a tangible connection to the past and sheds light on the material culture of the American West during this pivotal period. The site also contains the remains of Sibson’s Road Ranch, a civilian establishment that operated in close proximity to the fort. The presence of both a military outpost and a civilian ranch at the same location offers a rare opportunity for researchers to compare and contrast the lives and experiences of soldiers and civilians on the frontier. The temporal and geographical proximity of these two sites allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by those who ventured into the West.
Due to its fragile condition and the absence of standing structures, the Fort Mitchell site is not open to the public. However, visitors interested in learning more about the fort and the history of the area can visit Scotts Bluff National Monument. The monument’s visitor center features a scale model of Fort Mitchell, Nebraska, as it appeared in 1866, along with other exhibits and resources related to the fort and life in and around Scotts Bluff. This provides visitors with a valuable opportunity to visualize the fort and gain a deeper understanding of its role in the history of the American West.
© Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated November 2022.
Also See:
Forts Across America
Nebraska Forts
Nebraska – The Cornhusker State
Scotts Bluff National Monument