historical fort robinson

A stroll, bike ride or drive through Fort Robinson State Park immerses visitors in decades of historical context, from the days of conflict between the U.S. military and the Native Americans to the site's time as a German P.O.W. camp. The self-guided tour is divided into three segments, allowing you to break your tour into geographical groups - north and south of the highway, and stops "off the beaten path" that you'll may want to drive to.

For Part 1: Start your tour of Historical Fort Robinson at the Veterinary Hospital. 

Fort Robinson is the largest and most historic State Park, sitting on 22,000 acres. The Fort has a rich and complex history and has had many different lives so your tour will not go from the beginning to end of Fort Robinson’s history but instead will jump around from time to time. The Fort originally started after the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty with the Native Americans. The treaty restricted the nomadic Native American nations from traveling where they once could and instead, they were given the land north of the Platte River. The US government would in turn give them rations, distributed through Agencies. These rations consisted of flour, cornmeal, coffee, and mostly beef brought up from Texas on the Western Trail. Camp Robinson was founded to protect The Red Cloud Agency, which was located about 1.5 miles east of here. Red Cloud was a well-known Lakota leader, thus the name of the Agency, and that is why the buttes to the North are known as the Red Cloud Buttes. The Red Cloud Agency served approximately 15,000-20,000 Native Americans. Fort Robinson got its name from Lt. Levi Robinson, who was killed by Native Americans near Fort Laramie in 1874. Though he never once visited the camp, his passing happened the same day that the military established a camp here. The base then became the regimental headquarters for the 9th and 10th Cavalry, often referred to as Buffalo Soldiers. The all-Black regiments arrived in 1886 and stayed until 1910. After years of minimal use, the Fort had a large expansion in 1919 as a Quartermaster Remount Depot, supplying horses, mules and dogs until the military closed the base in 1948. Shortly after, the USDA took over and utilized it as a beef research facility until 1956 when the Nebraska State Historical Society first stepped in for preservation.

Veterinary Hospital
Because Fort Robinson operated as a Quartermaster Remount Depot from 1919-1948, supplying, training and caring for horses, mules, and dogs one-third of the depot was the Veterinary Corps. Built in 1909, the Veterinary Hospital was originally supposed to be one of two; however this was the only one that was built. There is a twin to this at Fort DA Russell near Cheyenne, Wyoming. One of the unique features within this building is the operating table that stood vertical to the floor allowing veterinarians to strap the animal down before lowering them horizontally. You can still see this table in the exhibits when the building is open (check with the Fort Robinson History Center or at the information booth for hours). You may also notice there are two doors to the vet hospital: one very large one and one smaller one. This smaller door allowed ventilation so no horse could leave, because a horse cannot step up and duck at the same time! Today, the Veterinary Hospital is also home to an annual Western Art Show July 1st – July 4th.
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Gymnasium/Trailside museum
Next to the Veterinary Hospital is the Fort’s original theater and gymnasium. Originally, it was built in 1905 with basketball and boxing being some of the favorite indoor sports. The theater seats were added in the 1930s, and those seats are now used today in the Post Playhouse. Today, the gymnasium/theater is owned and operated by the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and serves as the Trailside Museum. One of the features inside are the remains of the two Columbian Mammoths found north of Crawford in the 1960s.  There is a small admission fee of $4. The museum’s normal business hours are April 1-30 Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., May 1-Sept. 30 Monday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; and October 1-31 Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
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From Trailside, walk across the parade grounds toward Comanche Hall (directly across the highway from Post Playhouse).

Pyramids/Comanche
From this point, across the road are two stone pyramid monuments. They were built in 1934 in honor of Lt Levi Robinson and Crazy Horse. Dedicated on September 5, 57 years after the death of Crazy Horse it was a large celebration. Henry Standing Bear said “It was a ceremony that an Indian killed by his one-time enemy, the white man was honored, just as the white man who was killed by his red enemy was honored.” It was the first time in history that a Native American warrior west of the Mississippi had been honored by a memorial by a government agency.

In front of you, this long red brick building, known as Comanche Hall, was a bachelor officer’s quarters built in 1909. Comanche was a beloved horse injured in the Battle of Little Bighorn. When he was found he clung on to life and lived in pain. It was rumored that he was in so much pain that the officers would often give Comanche alcohol and keep him drunk most of the time. After his death he was mounted and is now on display at the Kansas University Museum of Natural History. This building is the largest rental available with 60 beds and 14 bathrooms.
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Cross the grounds to get an up close view of the pyramid monuments, and then visit the 1905 Post Headquarters, the building adjacent to the monuments. 

Fort Robinson Museum & History Center

“Native Americans, Indian agents, African-American Buffalo Soldiers, the K-9 Corps, German Prisoners of War—these are just some of the people whose lives intersected with Fort Robinson,” reads the Fort Robinson Museum & History Center’s website. The Fort’s 1905 Post Headquarters building now houses exhibits that trace the history from the post’s role guarding the Red Cloud Agency (1874-77) through the housing of World War II German PWs (1943-46).
Among the exhibits are the only known dog kennel from the K-9 Corps of World War II,
marksmanship medals earned by Buffalo Soldier Caleb Benson between 1902 and 1909 and 19th Century Sioux objects related to the Red Cloud Agency.
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Flag Pole

Across the street from the front entrance of the Fort Robinson Museum & History Center is the Fort’s 1890 Flagstaff. At 105 feet high, it includes a ladder and crow’s nest for buglers. According to the Nebraska State Historical Marker: “It was originally on the other side of the 1905 headquarters near the highway, having replaced an earlier flagstaff blown down by an 1889 windstorm. In 1930, after runaway mules felled the flagpole, the commanding officer ordered it relocated here. Sergeant John Kailey, with the longest service record at the garrison, hoisted the flag for the first time, on Washington’s birthday, 1876.”
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Head back toward Comanche Hall, but turn left on the Fort’s main loop, away from Comanche. The rest of the stops on Part 1 continue clockwise around the Fort’s main loop.

Adobe
The convenience of the railroad brought a large expansion of the post. These 1887 Adobe Officer Quarters provided officers with 1500 square feet of living space and indoor plumbing. Adobe brick is made of local mud and straw and fired in a kiln but soon proved poor building material. The other Adobe buildings at Fort Robinson have been reinforced structurally with siding. This very first Adobe has a free exhibit on the right side to view when the building is open (check with the Fort Robinson History Center or at the information booth for hours). The other adobes are available to rent through Game and Parks at the Lodge.
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Latrine and Polo Fields
These two little buildings seem out of place. They were actually moved here from the other side of the parade ground for the barracks. Any idea of what they were originally used for? They were the latrines. They have since been remodeled and are available for rent as cabin that sleeps three.

Directly behind here was the polo field and race track. Olympic equestrian sports were the realm of the military until 1952, so that meant that Fort Robinson was the Olympic Equestrian training center. The team medaled in the 1936 games and the 1940 games were called off due to the situation in Europe.
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Water Towers and Officer’s Quarters, including Bricks
Fort Robinson does not sit square with the compass, but you can orient yourself using these water towers, as they sit directly North and South of each other. During WWII, with a concern that terrorists may contaminate the water systems on posts in America, the towers were guarded 24 hours a day.

Keep in mind over 100 buildings were torn down or moved after the USDA took over. This Commanding Officer’s Quarters was one of those. In 2015, it was rebuilt costing over one million dollars. It was dedicated to Don and Olive Forney, one of the largest donors. Built on the exact foundation and to the specs of the original quarters with modern amenities it was a great asset added back to the Fort.

These brick buildings were the last set of Officer’s Quarters for officers and their families at Fort Robinson. For the time they were extremely fancy with running water and electricity provided to them. They too can be rented for lodging through Game and Parks.
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Mare Barns/Rodeo/Quartermaster Remount Program
Behind these brick buildings lies the rodeo arena where there is a free rodeo throughout the summer every Thursday night at 8 p.m. Also in this area are the Mare Barns. During the remount program these stalls were filled with expectant mares. Several famous stallions are on record from the Remount Breeding Program. Do you know which horse was the very first Triple Crown Winner? Sir Barton. He was actually brought to Fort Robinson to be used as a stud. Front Royal Virginia was one of the most popular remount programs but they couldn’t compete with Fort Robinson as it cost $.26 a day per animal to function at Front Royal. Because of vegetation and climate Fort Robinson could operate at $.07 a day per animal. Because of this efficiency Fort Robinson was the number one Quartermaster Depot for the Army.
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Buffalo Soldiers

The 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, referred to as the “Buffalo Soldiers” by Plains Indians, were stationed at Fort Robinson for 18 years. The African-American soldiers played an important role in Northwest Nebraska’s history. The 9th Cavalry arrived in the area in 1885 and helped built the fort during the 1887 expansion. They were the first soldiers sent to the Pine Ridge Reservation in 1890 during the Ghost Dance. Notable African-American soldiers to be stationed at Fort Robinson included Lt. John Alexander, the second Black graduate of West Point, and Henry Plummer, the first Black chaplain in the Army, along with 10 Medal of Honor recipients. The 10th Cavalry were assigned to Fort Robinson in 1902, and in 1906 aided in the capture of Ute Indians fleeting a Utah reservation. It was the last military action against Native Americans on the northern Plains.
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Stables/Activity Building
As a Cavalry post and Quartermaster Depot there was a need for stables. These can be rented as well for use by our guests who bring their own horses. Please check with the lodge for prices and availability.

Behind the stable, the two brick buildings are the Blacksmith and Harness shops. Built in 1904, the Blacksmith Shop often employed private farriers. The high needs of the Cavalry meant horses needed reshod almost every six weeks. Horses also needed tack, and thus the harness shop was built in 1906. Even dog boots for the war dogs were made in that building. They are open by appointment only through the Post Museum.

The riding stable appears much like it did during the cavalry period. This is the main stable for the Trail Rides offered. Purchase tickets for those rides at the information booth.

The last building was a stable but was converted to a Veterinary Laboratory. The original signs are still above each room. The vaccine for sleeping sickness in horses was discovered by scientists within that building. Today, you can rent bikes, do crafts, and even enjoy a delicious root beer float.
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1909 Brick Barracks
Fort Robinson was once the home of 15 enlisted men’s barracks, all built of log, adobe or fired brick. Now housing the Nebraska Game & Parks Fort Robinson State Park lodge and office, the 1909 brick barracks are the only one of their kind still standing. It was home to men of the 8th and 12th Cavalry and the Quartermaster Remount Service. A similar structure at the west end of the parade ground was torn down after Fort Robinson was abandoned.
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For Part 2, head south of Highway 20 to the Old Parade Grounds, directly across the highway from the Veterinary Hospital and the Trailside Museum. 

Old Parade Ground
The Fort originated in 1874 out of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty. The original part of the Fort is on this side of the highway and is often referred to as the old/original parade ground. In military terms it just means a place where troops gather. The oldest original buildings are on the left. Those small white buildings were duplex Officer Quarters built in 1874. At the very end, close to the highway, was a two-story building that was the original hospital operated by Army doctor Walter Reed.

You will also note the large stones as a memorial to Crazy Horse and his followers. These were put in by the Oglala Sioux. They designate the directions North, South, East, West. As you may have already noticed, the Fort doesn’t lay perfectly directional on a map.
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Old Parade Structures
These three rebuilt log structures all have their own unique stories. The first is the 1874 Guardhouse, often referred to as the place where Crazy Horse was stabbed. The second is the Adjutant’s office, referred to as where Crazy Horse passed away. And the third is the 1874 Cavalry Barracks where the Northern Cheyenne were imprisoned. These three buildings have been rebuilt to ensure the stories continue to be told. Construction of the Guardhouse and Adjutants office took place in 1968 and the Barracks in 2003. Log structures actually take some extra care to maintain. They are now preserved with linseed oil, but once upon a time were preserved with Old French fry oil from the restaurant. You can view the exhibits in the buildings when they are open (check with the Fort Robinson History Center or at the information booth for hours).
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Killing of Crazy Horse
This area is one of the more complicated parts of our history. This is the area where Crazy Horse was killed. Crazy Horse was a leader of an Oglala Sioux Nation. Most notably he was known as a warrior who participated in General Custer’s demise in the Battle of Little Bighorn. However, in May of 1877 Crazy Horse and his 900 followers ended up surrendering their firearms and horses to the US government as a gesture to declare they were no longer actively fighting. Stipulations that they would get their weapons back for a summer Buffalo hunt were left unfulfilled. Naturally, Crazy Horse wasn’t happy. In September, it was ordered that Crazy Horse be brought to Fort Robinson. Feeling he had done nothing that warranted being arrested, he resisted as he was being escorted into the Guardhouse where he was bayoneted, piercing a kidney. He died a few hours later under the influence of morphine. His parents were given his remains and his burial spot was kept a secret.
It is recommended to stop by the Post Museum to check out specific books on Crazy Horse or to inquire about summer programming at the guardhouse because there is so much more to the story.

Calvary Barracks/Cheyenne Breakout & Northern Cheyenne
This next building is known as the Cheyenne breakout barracks. It was originally built in 1874 along with the guardhouse. The Barrack’s typically housed 50-60 men. They slept on iron beds and were issued 16 pounds of straw to fill their mattress every month.

Soldiers were required to wash their hands and faces daily, their feet twice a week and bathe once a week. It’s doubtful, however, they carried water from the White River 300 yards away to bathe every week in the winter. Imagine the smell of 60 men…. in wool uniforms in this barracks, with no indoor plumbing access. From October of 1878 to January of 1879 a band of approximately 149 Northern Cheyenne were imprisoned here. They were originally sent from Powder River Country near Montana to an Oklahoma Indian Reservation, and they quickly grew ill as they couldn’t adapt physically to that environment. Under the impression they could always return to their homeland, they left the reservation and headed north to what they thought was still the Red Cloud Agency. Unfortunately, by October of 1878 when they got to Chadron Creek they were captured and they discovered that the agency had moved even further north to what is now known as the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The government absolutely wanted the Cheyenne to go back to Oklahoma; however, the Cheyenne knew if they did so they would perish just like the other 250 did in Oklahoma. While waiting for a decision by the US Government, the Northern Cheyenne were imprisoned in these barracks. While imprisoned, the Army withheld food, water, and heat to force them back to Oklahoma. As they felt they had no other choice but death the Northern Cheyenne decided to fight where they were, so on January 9th they broke out of these barracks around 10 p.m., on one of the coldest nights of record. Many of them ran up into the buttes to the southwest, thus the name of the Cheyenne Buttes. After a two-week pursuit 64 Native Americans lost their lives, along with 11 soldiers. Because of these events, the remaining Northern Cheyenne were allowed their own reservation in Montana.
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Continue clockwise on the road, taking the second left after passing by the first long, metal maintenance shop. 

Bandmaster
The bandmaster was actually the highest paid non-commissioned officer. This would be equivalent to having the music teacher being the highest paid position at a school. The 9th and 10th Cavalry had their regimental headquarters here. One of the biggest recognitions at Fort Robinson was the Tenth Cavalry Band, which was known as the finest musical organization in the United States Army. The bandmaster would have been the conductor or leader of this band. This small rentable cabin is known as the Bandmaster Quarters.
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Pool
Because of many luxurious amenities at Fort Robinson, it was deemed the Country Club of the Army. Along with fancy tennis courts, a gym, theatre, and vast hunting clubs, this 1930s swimming pool was just one more of those amenities.
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Turn right across from the Bandmaster stop. 

Wheelwright
As you’re heading toward the next street, you’ll notice a small, red shop on your left. This building is known as the Wheelwright shop where many wagons were repaired. The building, which houses the “comfortable” 1902 military ambulance, is open to the public (check with the Fort Robinson History Center or at the information booth for hours).
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Continue straight until you come to the intersection with the next street.

War Dogs
This point is the location of the WWII War Dog program. All of the dogs were donated, mostly by local farmers, but there were two large poodles donated by an opera singer in New York. Over 15,000 dogs went through the Fort Robinson program, with a graduation rate of around 33%. It was a way for poorer agricultural families to feel as though they could do a larger part in helping in the war by donating their pets. Anyone could donate a dog as long as it met the following conditions: had to be over 55 lbs, be 21” tall and have all of their teeth. Quickly some dogs were found to be less useful. For example, a Dalmatian was too easily spotted by the enemy on the battlefield, the Great Dane cost too much to feed, and Irish Setter seemed to be untrainable. The preferred breed to work with by the handlers was the Border Collie. Every branch of service used dogs that were trained here. Fort Robinson was the last WWII dog training program in the country. The program was started by Arlene Erlanger, a dog trainer from Boston. The training that was used at Fort Robinson is still implemented today for training of all dogs, including law enforcement dogs and seeing eye dogs. To read more about one specific dog, Major, stop by the Post Museum gift shop.
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From here, you can take a right and view the historical location of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, which has been converted to a trail leading into the City of Crawford, or you can turn left and visit the Post Playhouse near the intersection of Highway 20. 

Railroad
In 1886, the railroad came directly through here setting up everything the Fort needed. You can still see where the spurs would have been backed up to unload grain here at the Granary. The railroad connected the Fort to everything needed in the outside world. It was still used up until a devastating flood in 1991. A historical marker imparts the importance the railroad played. The tracks have since been removed and now there is a trail from here to Crawford.
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Post Playhouse
Originally constructed in 1892, this building is currently the Post Playhouse, with live theater productions in the summer. If they are not sold out, and they often are, you can purchase tickets online or at the box office. The building was originally the quartermaster store. The quartermaster was actually in charge of a lot of grueling paperwork. EVERYTHING that came into the Fort had to be logged, such as all food and animals. He became so inundated with the work he started burying stuff under the floor of the store. When archeologists started to dig for the remodel of the Playhouse they found many items that are now on display in our Veterinary Hospital.
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Part 3 of the tour features 3 historical markers that are a bit off the beaten path at Fort Robinson. You may want to consider driving (or biking if you’re ambitious!) out to them, rather than walking. 

Fort Robinson Cemetery
The Fort Robinson Cemetery is located south west of the Red Cloud Campground. The first burial here took place in July 1875 when James Brogan was interred. Fred Lester was the last man buried here in June 1945. In total, the cemetery was the final resting place for 258 souls, including officers Markland Williamson and James A. Swift, Army scouts Moses “California Joe” Milner and Baptiste “Little Bat” Garnier, 10 men killed in the 1879 Cheyenne Outbreak, Medal of Honor recipients Emanuel Stance and George Jordan and dozens of service personnel’s dependents. The location was subject to frequent flooding, and the remaining graves were moved to Fort McPherson National Cemetery before the Army abandoned the post in 1948.
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German POW Camp

Fort Robinson was used to house German World War II prisoners of war. The camp was constructed in 1943 to house 3,000 men. Prisoners were allowed to work on farms and ranches, helping local agricultural producers as many of the young men were fighting in the war. The camp closed in 1945 and some of the prisoners eventually became U.S. citizens. Nothing remains of the camp today, with the exception of a few concrete structures.

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Red Cloud Agency
The Red Cloud Agency was established in 1873 for Chief Red Cloud and his band of Oglala Sioux, along with other Northern Plains Indians. The agency was home to nearly 13,000 Native Americans and served as a supply issuing point for Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho in exchange for land ceded to the U.S. in 1868. Tensions between the agency and nearby “Camp Robinson” were frequently high. The treaty ceding the Black Hills to the U.S. was signed here in 1876. The Red Cloud Agency was eventually relocated to Pine Ridge in the Dakota Territory.
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