Fort San Bernardino, California
Fort San Bernardino, California, a site also known as the Mormon Stockade and Mormon Camp, holds a significant place in the history of Southern California. Its story is one of early Mormon settlement, perceived threats, and the evolving role of the U.S. Army in the region. The fort’s brief but impactful existence shaped the landscape and development of what would become the bustling city of San Bernardino.
The genesis of Fort San Bernardino, California, lies in the establishment of a Mormon colony in the area. Facing potential conflict with indigenous populations, the Mormon settlers, under the leadership of prominent figures like Amasa Lyman and Charles Rich, recognized the need for a fortified refuge. This led to the construction of the stockade in the heart of their newly planned town, a one-mile square grid designed to accommodate their growing community.
In the face of escalating tensions and fearing an imminent Indian attack, Mormon leaders designated an eight-acre parcel at the very heart of their nascent town to serve as the foundation for a defensive stockade. This carefully chosen location underscored the community’s commitment to safeguarding its members and securing its place in the region. The resulting structure, a parallelogram-shaped enclosure measuring 300 by 720 feet, featured imposing 12-foot-high walls, providing a formidable barrier against potential threats.
Life within the confines of Fort San Bernardino, California, quickly became central to the community’s existence. The stockade served not only as a defensive stronghold but also as a focal point for social interaction, commerce, and governance. Recognizing the strategic importance of the settlement, the U.S. Army garrison stationed at Rancho del Chino provided crucial support by lending weapons and ammunition to the occupants, further solidifying the fort’s role as a bulwark against potential hostilities.
However, the Mormon presence in San Bernardino was not destined to be permanent. In 1857, a significant turning point arrived when more than half of the Mormon population received a summons to return to Salt Lake City, Utah. This recall was prompted by the looming threat of an invasion by the United States Army, a conflict known as the Utah War. The departure of so many settlers significantly altered the dynamics of the San Bernardino community, leaving the future of the fort and the settlement itself uncertain.
The narrative of Fort San Bernardino, California, took another turn with the arrival of U.S. soldiers in December 1858. Assuming control of the stockade, the military presence expanded beyond the original structure, with the establishment of additional posts nearby, including Camp Prentiss and Camp Carleton. These installations were strategically positioned to engage in operations against the Mojave Indians, reflecting the evolving security concerns and military objectives in the region.
The U.S. Army maintained a presence in San Bernardino until March 1862, overseeing the region and engaging in various military activities. However, their departure was not the end of the story. In 1863, troops were once again dispatched to San Bernardino for a five-month period, triggered by reports of a secessionist threat. The alleged plot involved a recently released prisoner vowing revenge against those responsible for his incarceration, prompting a swift military response to quell any potential unrest. Despite the heightened alert, the troops were recalled again in October, signaling a perceived reduction in the immediate threat.
In the summer of 1865, Fort San Bernardino, California, once again found itself under military occupation. This time, the deployment was prompted by rumors of a secessionist plot, reflecting the lingering anxieties and political tensions in the aftermath of the Civil War. However, this occupation proved to be short-lived, as the perceived threat soon dissipated, leading to the withdrawal of troops. During the years of U.S. Army occupation, the fort’s boundaries were significantly expanded, extending far beyond its original Mormon-era limits. This expansion reflected the evolving military needs and the strategic importance of San Bernardino as a key outpost in Southern California.
Today, the physical remnants of Fort San Bernardino, California, have vanished from the landscape. The site where the stockade once stood is now occupied by the courthouse, a symbol of justice and governance, located on Arrowhead Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets in the heart of downtown San Bernardino. While the fort itself is no longer visible, its legacy endures as a reminder of the early settlement of the region, the challenges faced by its pioneers, and the evolving role of the military in shaping the history of Southern California. The story of the fort is interwoven with the broader narrative of Mormon migration, Native American relations, and the tumultuous years leading up to and following the Civil War.
The story of Fort San Bernardino is more than just the history of a physical structure; it is a microcosm of the larger themes that shaped the American West. The interactions between Mormon settlers, indigenous populations, and the U.S. Army reflect the complex and often fraught dynamics of westward expansion. The fort served as a point of contact, a symbol of both opportunity and conflict, and its story continues to resonate with those interested in understanding the multifaceted history of California.
The absence of physical remains does not diminish the importance of Fort San Bernardino in the historical record. Through historical accounts, maps, and illustrations, we can reconstruct a picture of the fort’s appearance and its role in the lives of those who lived within its walls. The story of the fort serves as a valuable reminder of the human experiences that shaped the landscape of Southern California and the enduring legacy of the Mormon pioneers who sought to build a new life in the West.