Fort Ransom (2)

Fort Ransom (1867-1872) - Established in 1867 by Captain (Bvt Major) George H. Crosman of the 10th U.S. Infantry to keep the Sioux Indians in check and to protect the Dakota-Montana trail. Fort Ransom was named for Brigadier General Thomas E. G. Ransom who died 29 Oct 1864 while serving in the U.S. Civil War. Abandoned in 1872.

Fort Ransom History
Fort Ramsom was sited by Brigadier General Alfred H. Terry as a 200 man post designed to protect the Dakota-Montana trail. The post was established 18 Jun 1867 by Captain (Bvt Major) George H. Crosman of the 10th U.S. Infantry. The fort was distinctive because of the 8' dry moat surrounding the breastworks and the two blockhouse at opposing angles. Resources were scarce at the fort and even water had to be hauled from a spring 600 yards away.

The fort was abandoned on 31 Jul 1872 after Fort Seward (1) was established (27 May 1872) and materials from the fort were used in the construction of Fort Seward (1). The post was transferred to the Interior Department 22 Jul 1884 for disposition.

Current Status
Although building locations and the dry moat, once eight feet deep, are still clearly discernible and some are marked, nothing else remains of the original fort or its twelve-feet-high sod and log stockade except a marker on the site. Sources:
 * Field, Ron, Forts of the American Frontier 1820-91: Central and Northern Plains, Osprey Publishing, Elms Court, Chapel Way, Botley, Oxford OX2 9LP, United Kingdom, 2005, ISBN: 1 84176 775 1
 * , page 115
 * , page 113
 * , page 632

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Ransom
 * North Dakota Parks - Fort Ransom