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. It 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
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Regionally, this marker is in the Eastern Plains. It is also in the American Mountain West, on the Great Plains, and specifically on the High Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
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); A Moving Story (approx. 0.9 miles away); Neither Rain Nor Sleet (approx. 0.9 miles away); Old Julesburg (approx. 0.9 miles away); Overland City (approx. 0.9 miles away); Early Campsites and River Crossings (approx. 1½ miles away); Sugar Town (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ovid.
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 1,064 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 19, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
