We stumbled upon this 8-acre history park after entering the state of Oregon.
Fort Klamath was established in 1863, and was an important Army post during conflicts with the Klamath, Modoc, and Northern Paiute tribes. The fort consisted of more than 50 buildings, including a sawmill.
The Museum is housed in a modern structure designed after the fort's guardhouse and standing in the original guardhouse location. It was just Steve, me and the very informed docent (masked) touring the exhibits within.
Fort Klamath (1863) was one of the major posts established to protect immigrants in hostile Indian territory east of the Cascades, and it was, after Fort Stevens, the longest-occupied military post in the state. It remained in service throughout 26 years in the final decades of westward expansion.
The museum was full of artifacts of Fort life, much of it donated by the descendents. I loved this porcelain rolling pin. So very, very cool.
It was here that the four Modoc men were executed, in 1873, for the killing of General Edward Canby during the Modoc Wars. Their graves remain at the fort, a reminder of the sad history which surrounds us.
Also on the grounds are several buildings from the area's past.
I was pretty smittened with this old post office. Believe it or not, at the time it was moved here, it was owned by Alma Elliott, a retired postmaster.
Mrs. Elliott worked at the Chiloquin Post Office until 1956, when she began working at the Klamath Agency Post Office as the postmaster.
When the office closed down, she returned to the Chiloquin Post Office, where she was the postmaster until her retirement in 1980.
She later purchased the old Klamath Agency Post Office and retained it as a keepsake. Oh man, best keepsake ever!
Lessons from the road are the best lessons... diverse and unforgettable.
“If history were taught in the form of stories,
it would never be forgotten.”
― Rudyard Kipling
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1 comments:
When we went to Crater Lake we stayed at Klamath Falls. It is NOT my favorite city. But Klamath Fort sure looks cool. Nice find!
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