Hard Duty on the Plains
saga of fraud and corruption, bravery and daring-do...triumph and tragedy...where conditions were considered unlivable, pleasures were few and the nearest bath was the South Platte River."
Dallas Williams, Fort Sedgwick, C.T. - Hell Hole on the Platte
Those who did not survive were buried in the cemetery on a hill just south of the fort. In 1891, the bodies were transferred to Fort McPherson Military Cemetery in Nebraska. Today a flagpole marks the cemetery grounds.
In 1869, Indians could no longer roam at will in eastern Colorado. Fort Sedgwick had outlived its usefulness. In May 1871, the post was abandoned and most of the buildings removed for use at other military installations.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1871.
Location. 40° 56.341′ N, 102° 22.7′ W. Marker is in Ovid, Colorado, in Sedgwick County. Marker is on County Route 28, 0.3 miles west of River Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ovid CO 80744, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort Sedgwick, Colorado Territory (here, next to this marker); Julesburg in Ashes (approx. 0.9 miles away);
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 817 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 19, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.