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Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Part of our in-depth series exploring the forts of Comancheria

Picture of Fort Wallace Railroad Section House
Fort Wallace Railroad Section House
History

First called Camp Pond Creek, Fort Wallace was established in 1865 near present-day Wallace. A year later soldiers were moved farther east along the Smoky Hill River where the fort was built. This fort protected travelers heading west along the Smoky Hill Trail to the Denver gold fields. It was the westernmost outpost along the trail between the Missouri River and Denver. Soldiers also protected settlers in the area.

By 1882 the U.S. government decided to discontinue the services of Fort Wallace and to abandon the site. In 1885 the U.S. government exhumed the bodies of 88 soldiers and moved them to Fort Leavenworth. More than 100 graves were left, including U.S. scouts who were not members of the conventional Army.

Picture of Pond Creek State Station at Fort Wallace
Pond Creek Stage Station,
Wallace Depot and Fort Wallace Museum
Tours and Information

All that remains of the original fort is the old post cemetery, enclosed by stone walls within the Wallace Township cemetery. The area where the original buildings stood is directly south of the cemetery on private property. Access is very limited.

Picture of Headstone at Fort Wallace
Headstone at Fort Wallace

Call for appointment. 913-891-3538. Museum just east of Wallace on US Hwy 40.

Communities and Related Links
Oakley Community
Fort Wallace Web Site

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Further reading

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