Ravenna in Buffalo County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Post South Loup Fork
"Fort Banishment"
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 11, 2021
1. Post South Loup Fork Marker
On the South Loup River southwest of here was the site of the U.S. Army’s Post South Loup Fork. This small outpost of Fort Kearney was established in May 1865 by Company “E”, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, under the command of Capt. James B. David and consisted of a log barracks and stable enclosed by a sod wall. The post monitored the movements of Indians in the Loup River valleys. Sometimes it was called Post Connor in honor of Gen. Patrick Connor. In July 1865 the Iowa Cavalry was replaced by Company “E” of the First Nebraska Cavalry and in August the post was abandoned. In 1871 pioneer settlers from Gibbon used the log buildings for firewood.
According to legend the post became known as Fort Desolation because it was about thirty miles from any settlement. It has also been termed Fort Banishment, because soldiers were sent there as punishment for stealing commissary whisky. Military records do not confirm this.
Erected by Ravenna Genealogical and Historical Society; and Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 361.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers
this page online
Location. 41° 0.642′ N, 98° 53.739′ W. Marker is in Ravenna, Nebraska, in Buffalo County. Marker is on State Highway 2, one mile east of Ravenna Road (State Highway 68), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located in a pull-out on the south side of the highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ravenna NE 68869, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pleasanton Branch Union Pacific Railroad (here, next to this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps (here, next to this marker); John Pesek (approx. 1.4 miles away); Solon H. Borglum (approx. 9.4 miles away); Austin (approx. 13.3 miles away).
Also see . . . "Fort Banishment". Nebraska Phantasms website entry (Submitted on April 28, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 11, 2021
2. Post South Loup Fork Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 140 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
