Fort Wallace, Kansas
Fort Wallace, Kansas, a name that echoes through the annals of the American West, stands as a testament to the relentless expansion, the violent clashes, and the enduring spirit of those who sought to tame the frontier. Its story is interwoven with the threads of westward migration, military campaigns, and the tragic displacement of Native American tribes. Established initially as a humble stage station, it evolved into a crucial military outpost, playing a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the Great Plains.
The genesis of Fort Wallace can be traced back to 1865, a time of fervent westward movement fueled by dreams of prosperity and new beginnings. The Butterfield Overland Dispatch, a vital transportation artery, carved its way across the vast expanse of Kansas, seeking to connect the eastern settlements with the burgeoning communities further west. Along this challenging route, strategically placed stations emerged, offering weary travelers a respite from the arduous journey. One such station, initially known as Pond Creek Stage Station, sprang to life approximately 1.5 miles west of what is now the modern town of Wallace, Kansas. Here, travelers could find nourishment, rest their horses, and gather strength for the miles ahead.
However, the allure of the West was tempered by the ever-present threat of conflict. The Smoky Hill Trail, along which the Pond Creek Stage Station operated, cut through lands traditionally inhabited by various Native American tribes. These tribes, witnessing the encroachment upon their ancestral hunting grounds and the disruption of their way of life, fiercely resisted the tide of westward expansion. The Pond Creek Stage Station, being a vulnerable point along the trail, became a frequent target of Indian attacks. To safeguard the station and protect the travelers, a temporary military encampment, aptly named Camp Pond Creek, was established adjacent to the stage stop.
Despite the presence of the military, the Butterfield Overland Dispatch struggled to maintain its operations amidst the persistent danger. The constant threat of Indian raids took a heavy toll, leading to financial instability and ultimately, the company’s demise. In 1866, the stage line was sold, marking a significant turning point in the region’s history. Recognizing the strategic importance of the area, the military decided to relocate the encampment to a more defensible location.
The soldiers moved a few miles east, settling along the south fork of the Smoky Hill River. It was here, in 1866, that the new post was officially established and christened Fort Wallace. The fort was named in honor of General W.H.L. Wallace, a Union officer who had tragically lost his life at the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee during the Civil War. This act of remembrance served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of preserving the nation and extending its reach westward.
Constructed primarily by the soldiers themselves, Fort Wallace gradually took shape, utilizing the readily available resources of the surrounding landscape. Native stone and timber were employed to erect the fort’s structures, which eventually numbered around 40 buildings. These buildings served a variety of purposes, including barracks for the soldiers, officers’ quarters, a hospital, storehouses for supplies, stables for the horses, and workshops for essential repairs.
Fort Wallace held the distinction of being the last and most western military post of any permanence within the state of Kansas. From 1865 to 1878, it stood as a bulwark against the perceived threat posed by the Native American tribes, bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict. Its functions were similar to those of other military installations in the region, such as Fort Hays and Fort Harker. These other forts were more extensive in size and were frequently selected as headquarters for large-scale expeditions against the Indians. Nevertheless, the historical record suggests that Fort Wallace played an exceptionally active role in protecting the western frontier.
The historical significance of Fort Wallace cannot be overstated. As one statement, often repeated in historical accounts, emphasizes: "It is very evident after checking up the assignments of troops and engagements between the Indians and the military in Kansas that the small garrisons at Fort Wallace participated in more actual engagements with the Indians and were sent to the relief of more scout and escort parties than the soldiers from any other post in Kansas. Other posts were bases of supplies and regimental headquarters where large forces were mobilized for Indian campaigns. But none defended a more extensive territory on the western frontier of Kansas."
This quote underscores the unique and demanding role that Fort Wallace played in the defense of the western frontier. Tasked with safeguarding a vast territory, the fort’s small garrison faced constant challenges and dangers. They were responsible for protecting travelers, escorting supply trains, and responding to the numerous threats posed by the Native American tribes.
The soldiers stationed at Fort Wallace were perpetually engaged in a delicate and often perilous balancing act. They were tasked with protecting the influx of settlers and travelers who were steadily encroaching upon Native American lands. The Native American tribes, viewing this expansion as an invasion of their homeland, continued to resist, launching attacks against settlers, wagon trains, and military outposts.
The troops stationed at Fort Wallace never exceeded 350 in number, and their average strength hovered around 75. Despite their relatively small numbers, these soldiers faced more Indian encounters than those stationed at any other fort in the region. This earned Fort Wallace the moniker "the Fightin’est Fort in the West," a testament to the courage and resilience of its garrison.
The duties of the soldiers at Fort Wallace extended beyond simply defending the fort itself. They were also frequently called upon to serve as escorts for railroad surveyors and laborers, stagecoaches, wagon trains, government officials, and quartermaster trains. These escort duties often took them away from the relative safety of the fort, exposing them to increased risks of attack.
Beyond the constant threat of Indian attacks, the soldiers at Fort Wallace endured other hardships. They often faced shortages of food and supplies, and the fort was plagued by outbreaks of disease, including a particularly severe cholera epidemic in 1867.
That same year, tragedy struck when Lieutenant Lyman Kidder led a detachment of ten men from the 7th Cavalry on a mission to deliver dispatches to Fort Sedgwick in Colorado. The patrol never reached its destination. On July 1, 1867, Kidder and his men were ambushed and killed by a large force of Cheyenne warriors at Beaver Creek in present-day Sherman County, Kansas. The Kidder Massacre, as it became known, served as a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers faced by those serving on the frontier.
During its years of operation, Fort Wallace served as a temporary home to several notable figures who would later leave their mark on American history. General George Armstrong Custer, the flamboyant and controversial cavalry officer, fought in his first Indian battle near the fort. William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the famed frontiersman and showman, also spent time at Fort Wallace, as did James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, the legendary lawman and gunfighter. George Forsyth, a prominent military officer who would later become known for his role in the Battle of Beecher Island, was also stationed at the fort.
As the frontier gradually became more settled and the threat of Indian raids diminished, the need for Fort Wallace lessened. On May 31, 1882, the fort was officially decommissioned. A small detachment of soldiers remained to protect the fort for a time, but they were eventually withdrawn as well.
In the years that followed, the buildings of Fort Wallace gradually disappeared. The scarcity of materials in the region led settlers to scavenge the fort for building supplies, and in some cases, entire buildings were dismantled and moved to new locations. Within a few short years, little remained of the once-thriving military post.
Today, while the physical remnants of Fort Wallace have largely vanished, its story lives on. The city of Wallace is home to the Fort Wallace Museum, which houses exhibits and artifacts related to the fort’s history. Nearby, the Pond Creek Stage Station has been preserved as a historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into the early days of westward expansion. These sites serve as important reminders of the pivotal role that Fort Wallace played in shaping the history of the American West.