History & Haunting of Fort Douglas, Utah
Nestled on a rise overlooking the sprawling expanse of Salt Lake City, Utah, stands Fort Douglas, a historic U.S. Army post with a rich and multifaceted past. Established in 1862, Fort Douglas played a pivotal role in the American West, serving as a strategic military installation, a training ground, and even a prisoner-of-war camp. Beyond its documented history, Fort Douglas is also shrouded in tales of the paranormal, making it a destination that appeals to history buffs and ghost hunters alike.
The story of Fort Douglas begins during a tumultuous period in American history. With the nation embroiled in the Civil War, the U.S. military sought to secure its interests in the western territories. Colonel Patrick E. Connor, a commanding figure in the California-Nevada Volunteers, received orders to establish a military presence near Salt Lake City. The primary objectives were twofold: to safeguard the vital overland mail routes that crisscrossed the region and to maintain a watchful eye on the local Mormon population, ensuring that secessionist sentiments did not take root.
Colonel Connor and his troops arrived in October 1862 and initially resided in rudimentary dugouts covered with tents. The post was first named Camp Douglas, a tribute to the recently deceased Illinois Senator Stephen A. Douglas. From its inception, Camp Douglas served as the headquarters for the Military District of Utah, with Colonel Connor overseeing Army operations across Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming. In addition to its primary objectives, the fort was also responsible for protecting the area from Native American tribes, securing transportation routes, and assisting road survey parties.
One of the few instances in which the troops saw action in the Indian campaigns was Colonel Connor’s 300-man campaign in the fall and winter of 1862-63 against marauding Shoshone, Snake, and Bannock in northern Utah. In January 1863, he dealt a severe defeat to the Shoshone Chief Bear Hunter in the Battle of Bear River.
As the Civil War drew to a close, Regular Army troops replaced the Volunteers at Fort Douglas, and concerns about Mormon secession gradually subsided. The fort transitioned into a major supply depot for the cavalry, particularly during the busy periods of the 1870s. Between 1874 and 1876, the fort underwent a significant reconstruction, with most of its structures being rebuilt using durable stone materials. In 1878, Camp Douglas officially became Fort Douglas, signifying its established status as a permanent military installation.
In the ensuing decades, Fort Douglas continued to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of the U.S. military. During the Spanish-American War and World War I, it served as a crucial training base for soldiers preparing to deploy overseas. In both World Wars, Fort Douglas was repurposed as a prisoner-of-war camp, housing enemy soldiers captured on the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific. After World War II, the Army gradually relinquished much of its land to the neighboring University of Utah, marking a shift in the fort’s role. However, Fort Douglas continued to serve reserve forces for several decades, maintaining its connection to the military.
The official closure of Fort Douglas came on October 26, 1991, marking the end of its active service as a military installation. Despite the closure, the Utah National Guard retained control of the Military Museum and the southern portion of the fort, including the historic buildings on Soldiers Circle. These buildings continue to serve as the headquarters of the 96th Army Reserve Command and as a base of operation for U.S. Navy and Marine Reserves, preserving the fort’s legacy.
Today, Fort Douglas stands as a National Historic Landmark, a testament to its significance in American history. Visitors can explore the museum housed within one of the old stone barracks, delve into the stories of the soldiers who served at the fort, and learn about its role in shaping the American West. The still-active 1863 cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost in service, while the numerous historic buildings grouped around the parade ground offer a glimpse into the fort’s past. These structures, dating back to 1875, include the old headquarters building, post office, stables, chapel, barracks, and officer’s quarters, each with its own unique story to tell. The post cemetery also holds the remains of soldiers killed in the Battle of Bear River.
Beyond its historical significance, Fort Douglas is also known for its alleged paranormal activity, adding another layer of intrigue to its already captivating story. Like many forts across the American West, Fort Douglas is rumored to be haunted, with tales of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena circulating for years.
The Fort Douglas Military Museum, housed in an 1875 building that once accommodated some 50 infantry soldiers, is said to be the epicenter of paranormal activity. Over the years, the building has served various purposes, including office space, a fire station, a mess hall, a post office, and supply storage. In 1975, a century after its construction, it was transformed into a military museum, preserving the fort’s history for future generations.
The museum’s most famous resident ghost is a Civil War-era soldier affectionately known as "Clem." The ghost was given his name by a local Boy Scout Troop who decided "Clem" was a scary name for the ghost after spending a night in the museum. Numerous reports have surfaced over the years detailing Clem’s alleged activities. Staff and visitors alike have reported seeing the full-bodied apparition of an old soldier appearing in various locations before quickly vanishing. Others have reported feeling spirits breathing on their necks, hearing footsteps on the stairs when no one is there, experiencing unexplained noises, and witnessing objects moving inexplicably on their own.
Some who have encountered Clem describe him as a stocky man dressed in a Civil War Federal uniform, with dark hair and a beard. Speculation abounds as to his identity, with some suggesting that he may be the spirit of one of the many men who committed suicide at the fort. According to some, Clem has also been spotted in the Mariott Library of the University of Utah, extending his reach beyond the confines of the fort.
Every October, the museum hosts an event in Clem’s honor, sharing the stories of this lively apparition and inviting paranormal groups to investigate the alleged hauntings. While Clem may be the most well-known ghost of Fort Douglas, he is not the only one.
Carlson Hall, which houses the history department and the ethnic studies program, is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young woman who allegedly committed suicide in the 1930s. Dressed in white, she is often seen walking around the building, and some blame her for the service elevator’s frequent malfunctions.
At the Humanities House on Officer’s Circle, a young girl is said to roam the building, while others have reported seeing a floating face.
In Chapel Glen, there have been reports of a ghostly woman dressed in purple who has been spied in a gulley.
The Fort Douglas Cemetery, a still-active military cemetery, is also said to be haunted. In addition to the remains of regular soldiers who served at the fort and those killed in the Battle of Bear River, the cemetery also houses the graves of German, Italian, and Japanese prisoners of war. Visitors have reported hearing the footsteps of someone or something that isn’t there, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the cemetery.
Located on the University of Utah campus at the northeastern edge of Salt Lake City, Fort Douglas offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore a significant chapter in American history. Whether you are drawn to the fort’s rich military past or intrigued by its alleged paranormal activity, Fort Douglas is sure to leave a lasting impression.
More Information:
Fort Douglas Military Museum
32 Potter Street
Fort Douglas, Utah 84113