The Ephemeral Cavalry Forts of the Old West: An SEO Optimized Guide

In the vast and rugged landscape of the Old West, from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, the U.S. Army established numerous #8220;cavalry forts#8221; to protect settlers, support military campaigns, and maintain order across the western territories. This article delves into the history, logistics, and significance of these forts.

Overview of Cavalry Forts in the Old West

During the Old West period, which spans roughly from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, a significant number of cavalry forts were constructed in various western territories. These forts served multiple roles such as protecting settlers, supporting military campaigns against Native American tribes, and maintaining order in newly acquired territories. While it is widely documented that at least forty significant cavalry forts were erected, many more smaller forts existed, often manned by infantry rather than cavalry.

Notable Cavalry Forts

Several notable cavalry forts included Fort Laramie in Wyoming, Fort Dodge in Kansas, Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort Apache in Arizona, and Fort Riley in Kansas. These forts were strategically positioned along trails, rivers, and areas of settlement to provide military support and protection. Over time, many of these forts were abandoned or repurposed as the need for military presence in the West diminished.

Logistics and Expenses of Fort Operations

The establishment and maintenance of these forts presented significant logistical challenges, particularly for cavalry units. Cavalry forts not only required additional expenses for horses, but also faced recurring costs for horse feed, saddles, bridles, horseshoes, and other essential supplies. These fort supplies were often sourced and produced in-house by skilled blacksmiths and leatherworkers.

While infantry units could match the number of miles traveled by a horse-mounted unit, cavalry faced numerous logistical issues. Horses were frequently ridden to exhaustion, injured, or stolen, necessitating the replacement of 2-3 horses per year. Horse feed, particularly nutritionally rich grains like oats and dried corn, was often expensive and not grown near many forts. The specialized tools needed for cavalry operations, such as saddles, bridles, and horseshoes, also faced significant wear and tear.

Comparative Strength and Mobility: Cavalry vs. Infantry

While cavalry forts played a crucial role, infantry units often had advantages in mobility and stamina. Cavalry units could panic and travel faster in all directions, making them more vulnerable to panic and less scattered compared to infantry. Additionally, the longer barrels on infantry rifles provided better use of propelling gases and more time in the barrel’s rifling, resulting in improved range and accuracy.

Cavalry units, being mounted, were often involved in dismounted fighting within forts. Their status as cavalry did not significantly influence the nature of combat, and most of the fighting occurred outside the forts, often many days away. This perspective is more useful when considering the forts as logistics bases for patrols and spoiling attacks over a great area rather than purely as defensive works.

Formation and Abandonment of Forts

These forts were frequently created from scratch and abandoned after just a few years due to changing needs and federal budgets. Within a few hundred miles of where the author is sitting, numerous forts with strategic names such as Fort Laramie, Fort Phil Kearny, Fort C.F. Smith, Fort Ellis, Fort Missoula, Fort Custer, Fort Shaw, Fort Fetterman, Fort Keogh, Miles Camp/City, Fort Henry, Harrison, Fort Peck, and many more were either created or abandoned. Additionally, several privately owned fur trading posts that served as a base with multiple buildings, cannons, and blockhouses were also present. These trading posts often provided substantial supplies and services, including a blacksmith and civilian militia and scouts.

The Ephemeral Cavalry Forts of the Old West exist as a testament to the dynamic nature of territorial governance and military strategy in the western United States. These forts continue to capture the imagination and provide valuable insights into the historical landscape of the Old West.