[47]       

Fort Halleck Military Reservation (1867-1886)

Elko County
  40.95601, -115.46577

"Day two in Elko County and although I've conquered five markers, the remaining ones will take awhile, no doubt, eating up the remaining week's time I've allowed. Now that this one is conquered, I have the city markers to do, along with Lamoille, and the few scattered ones north to Idaho. Jarbidge though. Oh boy. Jarbidge will be something in, and of itself. That's not for awhile. In the meantime, Halleck will make a nice spot to take a break. We'll worry about the rest later." -- Journal Entry, May 2008

Along SR 229, 1/4 mi south of Interstate 80
* Use Exit 321 from I-80 *

Original Date Visited: 5/13/08

Signed: Both lanes of SR 229

  • Marker 47
  • Marker 47 plaque
  • Fort Halleck protected the emigrants westward bound on the goldfields to California

Exact Description:
Established as Camp Halleck by Captain S.P. Smith July 26, 1867, to protect the California Emigrant Trail and construction work on the Central Pacific Railroad. The Camp was named for Major General Henry Wager Halleck, at that time Commander, Military Division of the Pacific. In May, 1868, it became headquarters for the Nevada Military District when Fort Churchill was abandoned.

On April 5, 1879, it became Fort Halleck. The nine-square mile reservation was set aside October 11, 1881. The fort was a two-company post, with about 20 buildings of wood, adobe and stone construction, arranged around the side of a rectangular parade ground.

Troops from the fort took no part in local Indian troubles. However, they saw action in February, 1873, against the Modoc Indians of northern California; against the Nez Perce uprising in Idaho in 1877; in 1878, against the Bannocks in Oregon; and against the Apaches in Arizona, 1883.

The fort was closed December 1, 1886.

Next Marker:

TUSCARORA

Related Links & Markers

 Life at Fort Halleck   Nevada Towns: Arthur   Virtual Tour of the California Trail 

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