Iowa’s plains are littered with historic sites like forts, trails and burial mounds. One of the most often overlooked is in Winnesheik County in the small town of Fort Atkinson. The town was named after a Fort that managed Iowan efforts to resettle Winnebago Native Americans that were removed from Wisconsin. Eventually, it was closed up, and today you can visit this abandoned Fort in Iowa to learn about our state’s shameful treatment of the natives that once called this land their home.
Here’s a photo of Fort Atkinson in 1842, in its heyday. The Fort was constructed in 1840 and remained active until it was abandoned in 1849.
Wikimedia Commons
The Fort was established under the guise of “making peace” with local natives, but truly, it was involved in the resettlement efforts of the Winnebago Natives, forcing them onto “neutral ground” after their removal from Wisconsin.
Facebook / The Forgotten Iowa Historical Society It took three years to build a full fort from the original camp that was completed in May 31, 1840. Just six years later, the U.S. Army troops were pulled from the fort to fight in the Mexican American War. Until June 1948, the fort was staffed with Volunteers. Finally, the Winnebago Tribe was removed from Iowa entirely.
Today, you can visit Fort Atkinson State Preserve and tour the remnants of this abandoned fort.
Wikimedia Common You can find the State Preserve at 303 2nd St. NW Ft Atkinson, IA 52144
Many of the original buildings are still standing. If you look closely at the North Barracks, you can still see the fireplaces that were installed to help troops weather the Iowa winters.
Wikimedia Commons
Throughout the park, you’ll find interpretive plaques and markers that explain the Plains history of Iowa.
Facebook / Winneshiek County Conservation
Visiting this historic, abandoned fort in Iowa is truly a step back in time.
Facebook / Run Drink Iowa
While you’re traveling through Iowa and visiting historic sites, don’t forget to stop by The Oldest Place You Can Possibly Go In Iowa – Its History Will Fascinate You. There are so many incredibly important, historic sites that fly under theradar in our state – which spot is your favorite?
Wikimedia Commons
Facebook / The Forgotten Iowa Historical Society
It took three years to build a full fort from the original camp that was completed in May 31, 1840. Just six years later, the U.S. Army troops were pulled from the fort to fight in the Mexican American War. Until June 1948, the fort was staffed with Volunteers. Finally, the Winnebago Tribe was removed from Iowa entirely.
Wikimedia Common
You can find the State Preserve at 303 2nd St. NW Ft Atkinson, IA 52144
Facebook / Winneshiek County Conservation
Facebook / Run Drink Iowa
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