We had some extra time in Omaha before our flight, so we drove 15 miles north to Fort Calhoun, site of Fort Atkinson State Park. Fort Atkinson was the largest and westernmost military fort 1820-1827. Prior to the fort, this was the site of the Lewis and Clark Council Bluff (explained below).
This fort consisted of a rectangular arrangement of one-story barracks facing inward to the enclosed parade ground. Four entrances were located near the center of the four walls. Cannons were mounted in the bastions at the northwest and southeast corners. The powder magazine was located in the center of the enclosed area.
The post’s population of over 1,000 included military personnel of the Elite Rifle Regiment and Sixth Infantry, some of their families and other civilians.
Outside the fort were located a large council for negotiating with the Indians, a gristmill, schoolhouse, sawmill and other buildings, including a brick kiln that produced thousands of bricks.
Fort Atkinson was an important early step in opening up the West. Rows of barracks.Company C barracks.Officer’s quartersLibraryOfficers’ KitchenHospitalSurgeon’s roomThis is the most fascinating room we looked into. The range of punishments would never fly today, but they worked on the edge of the frontier!Pillory. More of an embarrassment than punishment, used to punish minor infractions of military regulations.Choke Box, used for punishing drunkenness, thievery etc. Subject would be placed in the box for 1/2 hour each day for 30 days. The person would have to stay in a crouching position, as you cannot stand or sit. After release from the choke box, the soldier would have to wear a neck iron and perform police duties around the fort.Solitary confinement boxes.Iron collars, handcuffs, cat-o-nine-tails, ball chain, and leg shackles.Standing Post. The prisoner would be required to stand on this stump with a sign around his neck stating his crime. Also a way to embarrass the prisoner.Powder MagazineThe Powder Magazine held black powder, rifles, spherical cases, musket balls, grenades, port rifles, ball cartridges, pistol flints, musket flints, and more.Rear wall of the fort.Lewis & Clark Council Bluff Monument – First Council Sculpture. The first official meeting between representatives of the US government and an Indian tribe living west of the Mississippi River, occurred near this spot on August 3, 1804.Coin offered to the Indians – commemorative of President Thomas Jefferson.
