Near Burns in Harney County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Fort Harney

Oregon History

Photographed by Don Morfe, June 28, 2009

1. Fort Harney Marker

Inscription. Fort Harney, on the former Malheur Indian Reservation, was named for Gen. Wm. S. Harney, who took command of the Military Department of Oregon, Sept. 13, 1858. The fort was established Aug. 10, 1867, and became a permanent Military Post. By order of the President, the Fort Harney Military Reserve of 640 acres was created on Jan. 28, 1876. On Sept. 13, 1882 the President restored to the public domain all of the Malheur Indian Reservation except 320 acres of the Fort Harney Military Reserve. And on Mar. 2, 1889, he restored the remaining 320 acres and the fort was abandoned. The fort was located about two and one-half miles north of this point.

Erected by State of Oregon.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical date for this entry is January 28, 1876.

Location. 43° 36.804′ N, 118° 49.308′ W. Marker is near Burns, Oregon, in Harney County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 20 and South Harney Road on U.S. 20. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Burns OR 97720, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in the High Desert

and in Eastern Oregon.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least one other marker is within walking distance of this marker: The Terrible Trail (here, next to this marker).

Photographed by Don Morfe, June 28, 2009

2. Fort Harney Marker

The Fort Harney marker is on the right and the Terrible Trail Marker is on the left.

William S. Harney image. Click for full size.

Internet Archive

3. William S. Harney

This daring and experienced soldier, whose promptness in Missouri stemmed the tide of secession, was born in Louisiana at the beginning of this century, and entered the army at a very early age, being appointed second lieutenant in the First Infantry in 1818. He continued in the service until his death, in 1889.

From Frank Leslie's Scenes and Portraits of the Civil War... by Frank Leslie. 1894.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,610 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 5, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on February 22, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on March 23, 2024, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.