At least fifty-six frontier forts once stood in, or within view of, what is now the state of Iowa. The earliest date to the 1680s, while the latest date to the Dakota uprising of 1862. Some were vast compounds housing hundreds of soldiers; others consisted of a few sheds built by a trader along a riverbank. Regardless of their size and function—William Whittaker and his contributors include any compound that was historically called a fort, whether stockaded or not, as well as all military installations—all sought to control and manipulate Indians to the advantage of European and American traders, governments, and settlers. Frontier Forts of Iowa draws extensively upon the archaeological and historical records to document this era of transformation from the seventeenth-century fur trade until almost all Indians had been removed from the region. The earliest European-constructed forts along the Mississippi, Des Moines, and Missouri rivers fostered a complex relationship between Indians and early traders. After the Louisiana Purchase of 1804, American military forts emerged in the Upper Midwest, defending the newly claimed territories from foreign armies, foreign traders, and foreign-supported Indians. After the War of 1812, new forts were built to control Indians until they could be moved out of the way of American settlers; forts of this period, which made extensive use of roads and trails, teamed a military presence with an Indian agent who negotiated treaties and regulated trade. The final phase of fort construction in Iowa occurred in response to the Spirit Lake massacre and the Dakota uprising; the complete removal of the Dakota in 1863 marked the end of frontier forts in a state now almost completely settled by Euro-Americans. By focusing on the archaeological evidence produced by many years of excavations and by supporting their words with a wealth of maps and illustrations, the authors uncover the past and connect it with the real history of real places. In so doing they illuminate the complicated and dramatic history of the Upper Midwest in a time of enormous change. Past is linked to present in the form of a section on visiting original and reconstructed forts today. Contributors: Gayle F. Carlson Jeffrey T. Carr Lance M. Foster Kathryn E. M. Gourley Marshall B. McKusick Cindy L. Nagel David J. Nolan Cynthia L. Peterson Leah D. Rogers Regena Jo Schantz Christopher M. Schoen Vicki L. Twinde-Javner William E. Whittaker

Old Fort Garland' emerges as a fascinating anthology that weaves together a tapestry of narratives, memoirs, and historical essays, each contributing to the rich tableau of the American West. This collection combines an impressive range of literary styles, from the sharply analytical to the deeply personal, all orbiting the historical significance and multifaceted legacy of its titular subject. Notably, the anthology refrains from privileging any single perspective, instead presenting a kaleidoscopic view that underscores the complexity and enduring intrigue of Fort Garland and its role in the broader narrative of American expansion and conflict. Significant within this compilation are pieces that illuminate lesser-known facets of this history, offering fresh insights into the lived experiences of those who called the fort and its surrounding territories their home. Rosamund Slack and James T. Forrest, both acclaimed for their contributions to historical and literary scholarship, serve not only as editors but as guiding lights, curating a collection that resonates with the dynamism of the past. Their backgrounds, deeply rooted in American historical studies, bring together diverse voices from various epochs, cultures, and viewpoints, showcasing the fort as more than a mere military outpost but as a microcosm of the American mosaic during pivotal moments of change and development. 'Old Fort Garland' presents itself as an essential read for anyone keen on delving into the complexities of American history through the lens of literature. It offers an unprecedented opportunity to engage with a variety of perspectives, encouraging a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the historical significance of Fort Garland. Readers interested in the intersections of history, culture, and literary expression will find this anthology a valuable and enlightening addition to their collection, inviting a deepened appreciation for the ways in which stories of the past continue to shape our collective memory and identity.

Recounts the Minnesota Fort's role in shaping the lives of westerners between 1824 and 1840 and Lawrence Taliaferro's efforts to stop the fur-traders' exploitation of the Indians.

The number and variety of forts and posts, together with changes of location, name, and designation, have posed perplexing problems for students of western history. Now Robert W. Frazer has prepared a systematic listing of all presidios and military forts, which were ever, at any time and in any sense, so designated. The lists of posts are arranged alphabetically within the boundaries of present states. Pertinent information is included for each fort: date of establishment, location, and reason for establishment; name, rank, and military unit of the person establishing the post; origin of the post name and changes in name and location; present status or date of abandonment; and disposition of any existing military reservation. A map for each state shows the location of the posts discussed. A prime reference for historians, Forts of the West will prove useful to readers of western history as well.