Fort Douglas Historic Site - Term Paper Example

Fort Douglas of the al affiliation: Fort Douglas was established as a small post near the Salt Lake in October 1862. On its established, it was named after senator Stephen A. Douglas who was one of the greatest politician in America and had died in 1961 June. The main reason for its construction was mainly to protect the overland mail route and the telephone lines from attack by the Indians. The First World War is what maximally contributed to the rapid expansion of the camp. It was a few months to winter and thus it was rapidly constructed. Fort Douglas was established by volunteers Called upon by Patrick E and President Lincon. During World War 1, German naval prisoners were housed in this camp. The post was also the headquarters of Utah district throughout the period of the civil wars. Fort Douglas is one of the most famous historic sites especially in the history of America. Fort Douglas is one f the most significant historic site in America. It is of Great significance and importance to the history of America. Fort Douglas was established in the mid 1980s. Its construction began in the year 1862, in the month of October, and it was triggered by the First World War. On establishment, the camp was named after Stephen A Douglas who was one of the greatest politicians of America before his death in 1862 June in his honor. The main purpose of the camp was to protect overland mail route and the telephone lines from attack by the Indians. Colonel Patrick Edward Conner was the one who called upon volunteers to the construction of the camp as he had been told by president Lincoln Abraham who actually needed troops due to the dangerous attacks that were taking place. The volunteers were ordered to build the post because of highly significant objectives in the history of America. They had to carry out the activity as fast as possible because of the winter season which was to start in a short time. Dugout holes were constructed in no time. This were holes which had a depth of four feet underground and were covered with canvas. For security purposes, they were equipped with adobe fireplaces and stones. The thirty two holes that they managed to construct could accommodate at least twelve men comfortably. Throughout the civil war season, all the volunteer troops used to camp there in preparation for war. The troops were usually brought from Neveda and California. Other buildings were also constructed in this port. The buildings include; a chapel, other buildings used for administrative purposes and stone barracks. The volunteers were replaced by regulars after they were discharged in 1966. As a result, of hosting prisoners during the First World War Fort Douglas expanded so rapidly. Since then, a lot of changes and alterations have been done to modify and improve scenario beauty of the military camp. During the Second World War, it was used as a club for the officers. I n January 1942 as a result of attack from the Japanese the military operation headquarters were transferred from Presidio which is located in San Francisco to Fort Douglas. There was a lot of scrambles in Salt Lake City in order to accommodate the troops of the Nineth Service Military that were coming in, in the company of their families. The Japanese were attacking the Pearl Harbor. Later after the Second World War it was declared by the army that Fort Douglas was surplus and therefore, most of the buildings were left under the control of the University of Utah and the remaining to other agencies. However, the fort still maintained some of its functions even after its handing over. Some historic buildings were retained by the army and water rights in the Red Beutt Canyon. Fort Douglas is registered as one of the historic places in America, and it is listed as a National Historic Landmark since the year 1975. Significance of Fort Douglas Fort Douglas has played so many roles in Utah essentially socially, economically and most of all politically. It has highly contributed to American defense in a precise extra ordinary manner. Its historical buildings have also played a truly significant role in the economy of Utah over a unusually long period of time. Fort Douglas is one of the most significant historic sites in America. Fort Douglas was first established because of two main reasons, but as time went by its played many more other roles in the history of America. The first two main reasons were to protect the overall mail route and to protect the telephone lines from attack by the Indians. These were the main reasons why Patrick E called upon volunteers as instructed by President Abraham Lincoln who was in desperation due to the current situation which was rapidly deteriorating. The construction activity had to be carried out as first as possible since the winter season was approaching. The secessionist activities that were taking place in the area is what was the foremost concern of president Lincoln, and Patrice E.This location was the most suitable especially because of targeting the Mormons. As time went by the post, continued to gain military supremacy over the cultures that were there before. The volunteers were able to prospect for minerals successfully from the surrounding areas. Some few years later the continued distrust between the military army and the Mormons led to wary accommodation. The Indians had to remain royal to that union. Later a Calvary supply centre was established since at the western military, and that is when it name was changed in 1878 from Camp Douglas to Fort Douglas. By the time, the century was coming to an end conflict with the Spanish had continued to increase day by day. Therefore, the Americans started using the camp for training militaries to serve elsewhere. During the first and the second world war, the post was used as a training garrison, mobilization activities, and it also hosted the prisoners. During this period, it was divided into three. These include; Salt Lake Airbase, Wendover Bombing and the Gunnery Range. In fact, one of the bomb groups which was bombed at the Pearl Harbor had been training at camp. It was bombed that same morning it had fled. During the Second World War Fort Douglas was used as the headquarters or the 9th Service Command. Majorly it was used as a reception and a separation center. So many years down the line Fort Douglas have served as a headquarter for National Guard and Reserve units. It has also supported the detachment for military activities in the area. Around 60 acres of the land were used for cemetery purposes. During the civil war season, the dead Germans were buried there. Fort Douglas has a collection of beautiful artworks. The fascinating history and nature of these museums is exceptionally attractive and over time it has highly contributed to the economy of America. According to my point of view Fort Douglas is highly significant in the history of America. First it served as a home for the troops who were defending against the Mormons. It accommodated the troops during winter in 1963 January. The troops had an easy time watching over the Mormons who were full of treason and were highly consistent in their attacks. There were other buildings that served as stores for food, medicines, cigars and everything else that were essential for the volunteers. From the information, above it is clear that the camp met its intended purpose during the civil war season. To date its singularly beautiful national archives are still significant. Despite the fact that it plays a significant role in representing the legends and heroes who contributed in its establishment, it is an attractive site which is still frequently visited by influential individuals from all corners of the world. This proves that, throughout its history, it has played a significant role in promoting the economy of America. By visiting the port people learn a lot especially from the historical point of view and enjoy looking at the fascinating sites. There is a collection of attractive things such as photographs, sculptures and cultural artifacts. The varieties range from works done a long time ago and contemporary works of art. The architectural heritage of Utah is extremely impressive and fantastic. The military has a long and exceptionally distinguished history for they have been in the port since time in memorial. The fort has played a crucial role in recognizing their efforts, and their legacy is still and will continue to be celebrated even in the coming years. The army families will live to commemorate their efforts in the historical development of Fort Douglas. Over years, Fort Douglas has hosted unusually many people and organizations and therefore, this architectural fabric acts as a record for the time that this people have spend there, their efforts, contribution and achievements to the development of this architectural fabric. It hosted California volunteers,professional army, laundresses, prisoners of war, horses ,automobile and many other civilian organizations. Buildings are varied basing on their functions. This building represents the change throughout the many decades. Fort Douglas and all its treasures are preserved to be used for future generation as it has been used in the past for both academic and enjoyment purposes. Fort Douglas acting as a Regimental headquarter was another extremely significant role. This highly contributed to its development since more buildings were constructed to accommodate the increasing population. Upgrading of the living conditions was also initiated, and sewage was also constructed because of the deteriorating health conditions. These changes in one way or another contributed to the development of Utah district. Other buildings such as the swimming pool and a post theatre were constructed for the purposes of entertainment. During the Great Depression, Fort Douglas earned Utah’s economy more than one million dollars every year. When The Service Commander Offices were taken to Fort Douglas that was another vital way it served the history of America. Simple but flexible buildings were constructed, and there were of immense importance during the first and the Second World War. Appendix References Tate, M. L. (2001). The frontier army in the settlement of the West. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press. May, D. L. (1987). Utah: A peoples history. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press. Junne, G. H. (2000). Blacks in the American West and Beyond - America, Canada, and Mexico: A selectively annotated bibliography. Westport, Conn [u.a.: Greenwood Press. Vansoolen, L., & Fort Douglas Military Museum. (2009). Fort Douglas. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub. Baker, T. L. (1985). A field guide to American windmills. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press. Shurtleff, W., & Shurtleff, L. L. (2005). The Shurtleff and Lawton families: Genealogy and history. Lafayette, CA: Pine Hill Press. Read More