History of Fort Snelling
Minnesota's First Military Base
In an effort to protect its Minnesota territory from British encroachment and Native American threats following the War of 1812, Camp Coldwater was established between 1820 and 1824 near the site of the future fort. In 1825, construction of Fort Snelling was completed, taking its name from Colonel Josiah Snelling. Snelling was known for heavy drinking and dysentery, of which he died from complications in 1827.
Interesting Facts About Fort Snelling
Beginning in 1820, the doctor of the fort was responsible for recording weather observations. This record is still maintained today, giving the Twin Cities region on of the most complete histories of weather observations in the nation.
Another interesting note about Fort Snelling is the fact that Dred Scott's owner, John Emerson, worked in the military installation. During the 1830s, Emerson lived with Scott at the fort, giving rise to the ultimate Supreme Court case, most notably due the illegality of slavery in Minnesota at the time.
Past Use of Fort Snelling
Following the growth of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the need for Fort Snelling dwindled. The military sold the fort, along with 8000 acres of south Minneapolis, to Franklin Steele in 1858 for only $90,000. Steele utilized the fort and the land during the Civil War by leasing it to the U.S. government and selling plots to veterans. Following the conflict, renewed troubles with Dakota tribes, prompted the government to retain a garrison at the location.
During World War II, Fort Snelling was set up as a major installation in the Military Intelligence Service Language School, teaching Japanese to Army personnel. Eventually, 300,000 soldiers made their way through the facility, with the fort being modernized and additional buildings constructed. In 1960, the fort was registered as a National Historic Landmark following a long period of disrepair during the 1950s.
Fort Snelling was reactivated during the Cold War as an Army Reserve headquarters for the 205th Infantry Brigade. This was a light infantry group featuring field artillery, cavalry, combat engineers, air defense units and logistical units formulated into three battalions composed of Upper Midwesterners.
Additional Notes About Fort Snelling
The Minnesota Historical Society took charge of the facility following its decommission in 1994. The organization rebuilt the facility to resemble its original structure and pay homage to its historic past. Costumed personnel were hired for historical reenactments from spring to early fall. A number of excavations have revealed original artifacts and a better perspective on the early life of settlers along the Mississippi.
In 2006, the National Trust for Historic Preservation added the upper portion of the facility to its list of America's Most Endangered Places. One of the most notable features of the area is the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, where many armed forces personnel from Minnesota are interned.
Resources
"Historic Fort Snelling: A Brief History of Fort Snelling". Minnesota Historical Society. http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/hfs. Retrieved 10-20-2009.
Hansen, Marcus. "Old Fort Snelling". Evergreen Review, Inc. ASIN B001PSEPOI
Fort Snelling Round Tower
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