Fort Sedgwick - Ovid, CO - Colorado Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Due south 1¼ miles is the site of FORT SEDGWICK Established in September, 1864, as a United States Army post. Called Camp Rankin and Post Julesburg. Name changed in November, 1865, to honor General John Sedgwick, who was killed at Spottsylvania May, 9, 1864. The fort protected the stage line and emigrant trains from Indians. Abandoned in May, 1871. From this fort, Sedgwick County derives its name. Erected by The State Historical Society of Colorado from The Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation The Julesburg Historical Society 1940

In the late 1800's, Colorado was a wild place with settlers rushing to the gold fields across Indian territory and outlaws terrorizing the frontier settlements. Fort Sedgwick served as a small military outpost to protect settlers and travelers along the Overland Trails. An 1865 Indian raid in retaliation for the Sand Creek Massacre forced settlers of the nearby town of Julesburg to flee to the fort where they watched their homes burn to the ground. In 1867 the fort protected workers on Union Pacific's transcontinental railroad. The fort was abandoned on May 31, 1871 at the end of the Indian hostilities.

Group or Groups Responsible for Placement: Colorado Historical Society Julesburg Historical Society County or City: Sedgwick County Date Dedicated: 1940 Check here for Web link(s) for additional information: [Web Link]

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