Near Montrose in Montrose County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Fort Crawford

Photographed by Craig Baker, June 27, 2015

1. Fort Crawford Marker

Inscription.
Following the Meeker Massacre of 1879 and the ambush of Major T.T. Thornburgh's relief force, Colorado residents demanded the removal of the Ute Indians. A treaty was signed, but the Uncompahgre Utes proved defiant, and in July, 1880, the "Cantonment on the Uncompahgre" was established on this site to guard the settlers and pacify the Indians. After the Ute removal in 1881 the camp settled down to routine garrison duty. In 1886 the post was renamed Fort Crawford in honor of Captain Emmet Crawford, killed that year fighting Geronimo’s Apache band. By the end of the decade the fort had outlived its usefulness. It was deactivated in 1890; the buildings were sold at auction, and the land was opened to settlement.

Erected by State Historical Society of Colorado, and Colorado Archaeological Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 38° 22.617′ N, 107° 49.11′ W.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Marker is near Montrose, Colorado, in Montrose County. It is on US 550 Frontage Road just south of Uncompahgre Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Montrose CO 81403, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Western Slope.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Fort Crawford (a few steps from this marker); The Hangin' Tree (approx. 4.6 miles away); The Utes / Uncompahgre River Country / Ouray (1833-1880) / Chipeta (1843-1924) (approx. 4.8 miles away); The Dominguez-Escalante Expedition / Dominguez-Escalante Country (approx. 4.8 miles away); In Behalf of the Light (approx. 4.8 miles away); So Bold, So Beautiful a Land (approx. 4.8 miles away); Pageant in the Wilderness

Photographed by Craig Baker, June 27, 2015

2. Fort Crawford Marker

(approx. 4.8 miles away); Building An Empire: The Spanish Frontier (approx. 4.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montrose.

More about this marker. This sign was removed because of its unfair description, and a replacement was installed in 2017. See Nearby Marker.
This sign is now at the Montrose County Historical Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 608 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 25, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.