Fort Churchill
More information can be found at the Nevada Division of State Parks.
Built during the "Indian uprisings" of the late 19th century, Fort Churchill was not the most desirable duty station due to it's isolation. There isn't much left, but steps are being taken to insure its preservation.
Fort Churchill is located south of Silver Springs, NV, and is well worth the visit. Although small, the museum is interesting. Civil War reenactments are held occasionally during the summer. This is one of the Officer's quarters buildings.
This is a view of the hills south of Fort Churchill. You can the terraces caused by the shoreline of the ancient Lake Lahontan. These terraces can be seen in many locations throughout Nevada.
This is the Visitor's center and museum. The lawn hasn't come to life yet, as this picture was taken in April 2004.
This is an overview of the entire Fort.
The rear of the visitor's center.
This is the Post Headquarters, housing the Commander's office and the Courtroom. Being the administrative headquarters of the fort, the pony express would stop here momentarily to pick up mail.
The Quartermaster Storehouse was the place where all the valuable supplies, such as bottled medicine, liquor and clothing were kept under lock and key.
The Quartermaster Storehouse was in full view of the sentry in front of the guardhouse, and was visited several times during the night.
The Subsistence Storehouse was where the food was kept. It consisted mostly of canned foods.
Both the Subsistence Storehouse and the Quartermaster Storehouse had a separate office and storage room containing supplies for sale to officers and enlisted men.
Another view of the interior of the Subsistence Storehouse.
The Laundresses' Quarters. The officers were not willing to do without the services of the Laundresses'. The base commander thought it was a luxury.
The Laundresses' Quarters were constructed without restrictions imposed to cut costs. It consisted of four rooms with a fireplace in each for heating.
The base Hospital, which unfortunately stayed full with cases of Colds, Pneumonia, and sometimes Measles and Smallpox.
Most comparable Posts had neither a Hospital nor a Surgeon, so the Fort was fortunate in this respect.
The Hospital had limited space and only one Matron, so it was assumed it had only 20 beds.
This assumption was based on an 1862 Army regulation, allowing one Matron per 20 patients.
The powder magazine was where the Fort stored it's powder and munitions. It was built without windows, believing an explosion would vent through the roof.
The Guardhouse was where offenders, usually from drunkenness, were locked up.
A view of the inside of the Guardhouse. Prisoners were shackled in at night and assigned laborious duties during the day.
When you're out in the desert, always be aware of your surroundings.
This is the area of the post that contained the barracks and the mess halls.
The Fort was an isolated outpost, and many men deserted, due to the hardships and low pay ($13 a month).
One of the mess halls. The Fort was abandoned in 1869, and was auctioned for $750. During the ensuing 86 years, the fort was stripped of building materials which were used to construct nearby buildings. This accounts for it's generally poor condition. In 1932 the State of Nevada took title to it and, in 1934, deeded it to the Nevada Sagebrush DAR Chapter. The title to Fort Churchill was reconveyed to the State of Nevada in 1961, to be designated a state historical site. The National Park Service made restoration plans, which were carried out by the Civilian Conservation corps (CCC).
Another view of one of the Barracks.
Each of the officer's quarters had a parlor, a dining room, and two bedrooms.
Many officers had their wives and families living with them, and could spend a considerable amount of time with them.