Fort Crawford
About
1880, Fort Crawford started as a supply camp south of Montrose, Colorado and was known as the Cantonment on the Uncompahgre. Its purpose was to ensure peace in the region. It had 250 men of the 23rd U.S. Infantry who were assigned the duty of replacing tents with log buildings. The fort was established on July 21, 1880 as a temporary military supply camp 8 miles south of Montrose. Colonel Ronald S. Mackenzie, 4th U.S. Cavalry, found the location strategic and established the fort and the 23rd U.S. Infantry.It was officially named Fort Crawford on December 15, 1886 in honor of Captain Emmet Crawford killed in pursuit of Geronimo. By the late 1880's, the fort had evolved into a full-fledged military installation with a 575 ft. by 150 ft parade ground, barracks, headquarters, guardhouse, bakery, and shooting gallery. By 1890, the fort no longer served a military purpose and the buildings were sold at a public auction. In 1966, the Chipeta Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society installed a marker by the site of the former fort.
In the 1880s, the soldiers were still wearing military surplus uniforms from the Civil War. The uniforms were made out of wool and quite uncomfortable during warm weathers. The Sergeant's red rank insignia indicated he was part of the artillery battery at the fort. The red flag also designated the presence of the artillery battery and men assigned to this detachment.
The fort closed in 1890 and the land was sold by the Interior Department.