August 8, 2019
‘Garrisoning’ the forts Part II: Ft. Stevenson
BY HUNTER L. ANDES
Editor’s note: This is a continuation of the story that ran July 19, and is the second article in the series of “Garrisoning the forts.”
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Ft. Stevenson
June 12, 1867 — a steamer named Cornelia had tied up on the banks of the Missouri below what is now present-day Garrison. Before long, a military post named Fort Stevenson would become a reality.
According to Larry Sprunk’s Garrison History Book, the Cornelia had supplies for the new fort along with two companies of infantry and Col. I.D.V. Reeve on board.
“Col. Reeve then visited Ft. Berthold to bring back to the landing site the military personnel and additional supplies which had been stored there,” Sprunk wrote.
The men then had to decide where the best location would be for the new military post.
“While it seemed natural to locate the fort’s river harbor as far east as the Missouri flowed before turning south, thus cutting the overland distance to Ft. Totten, there was not a suitable deep bay or cove at the bend to tie up the boats,” Sprunk wrote. “Consequently, it was necessary to move the location six miles upriver from the ideal location. Luckily, the timber there was thick. […] Also, there were two small streams nearby (Garrison Creek and Douglas Creek).”
Sprunk explained how a good docking location was essential as it would be needed for both smaller boats as well as large steamboats.
–––––
Ft. Stevenson
June 12, 1867 — a steamer named Cornelia had tied up on the banks of the Missouri below what is now present-day Garrison. Before long, a military post named Fort Stevenson would become a reality.
According to Larry Sprunk’s Garrison History Book, the Cornelia had supplies for the new fort along with two companies of infantry and Col. I.D.V. Reeve on board.
“Col. Reeve then visited Ft. Berthold to bring back to the landing site the military personnel and additional supplies which had been stored there,” Sprunk wrote.
The men then had to decide where the best location would be for the new military post.
“While it seemed natural to locate the fort’s river harbor as far east as the Missouri flowed before turning south, thus cutting the overland distance to Ft. Totten, there was not a suitable deep bay or cove at the bend to tie up the boats,” Sprunk wrote. “Consequently, it was necessary to move the location six miles upriver from the ideal location. Luckily, the timber there was thick. […] Also, there were two small streams nearby (Garrison Creek and Douglas Creek).”
Sprunk explained how a good docking location was essential as it would be needed for both smaller boats as well as large steamboats.
