Fort Robinson: Outpost on the PlainsGrange, Roger T.
History
Fort Robinson: Outpost on the Plains
Grange, Roger T.
Fort Robinson (Neb.); Indians of North America -- Wars -- 1866-1895
The Nebraska State Game and Parks Commission has operated the Fort
Robinson State Park facilities since 1956 with emphasis on recreation.
The majority of the buildings and most of the land is devoted to this
purpose. Some of the special buildings or areas are the lodge,
restaurant, campgrounds, and tourist cabins. Under construction by the
commission in 1978 is a swimming pool. A conference center and golf
course are projected by the commission for the future.
Beginning in 1967, Chadron State College converted the 1892
Quartermaster Stores Building into the Post Playhouse. The college also
produced pageants based on Fort Robinson historical events.
Since the opening of the Fort Robinson Branch Museum of the Nebraska
State Historical Society on June 3, 1956, the Society has carried out a
number of projects to preserve and interpret the history of the historic
post. Starting in 1958 the Society restored the Blacksmith and Harness
Repair shops. In 1966 archeological excavations began at the site of the
Guardhouse, Adjutant’s Office and Cavalry Barracks, all dating from
1874. The remains of the 1884 Guardhouse were also uncovered.
These excavations provided information for the reconstruction of the
1874 Guardhouse and Adjutant’s Office. The 1884 Wheelwright Shop, the
oldest wooden structure on the post, has also been restored. Restoration
work has also been carried out on the 1909 Veterinarian Hospital
Building and an 1887 Adobe Officers’ Quarters and the 1905 Post
Headquarters, which is utilized as a museum. The Post Cemetery, the 1895
Granary, and the 1886 Bandleader’s Quarters are also in the process of
restoration. Earlier the Society had carried out limited archeological
investigation at the site of the Red Cloud Agency.
Today the staff of the Fort Robinson Museum provides guided tours to
historically significant areas of the post and, as part of the
interpretive program, presents evening programs during the tourist
season. The Society has also undertaken a program of historic markers at
Fort Robinson and Red Cloud Agency, which have been designated a
Registered National Historic Landmark. Much of the restoration work has
been funded in part by grants from the National Park Service.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Listed below are the sources found most useful in preparing this
account.
Books
Bourke, John G. _On the Border with Crook._ London: Sampson, Low,
Marston, Searle, and Rivington, 1892.
Brady, Cyrus T. _Indian Fights and Fighters._ Garden City: Doubleday,
Page and Co., 1913.
Bronson, Edgar B. _Reminiscences of a Ranchman._ New York: McClure Co.,
1908.
Bruce, Robert. _The Fighting Norths and Pawnee Scouts._ Privately
printed, c. 1932.
Carter, William H. _The History of Fort Robinson._ Crawford, Nebr.:
Northwest Nebraska News, 1942.
Clark, William P. _The Indian Sign Language._ Philadelphia: L. R.
Hamersly, 1885.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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