Fort Brooks (Clay County, Kansas)
Clay County · Kansas · Indian Wars
History & Significance
Named for ensign George D. Brooks of the Shirley County Militia, who owned the farm on which it was located, the fort was hastily constructed during the summer of 1864 when Indian raids forced homesteaders to abandon their claims. Captain Isaac M. Schooley, the militia commander, directed the post.
At least one log blockhouse was built, though disagreement exists about whether additional structures were constructed. After construction, the fort was garrisoned for only about one week, though two or three families sheltered there throughout the winter.
When settlers requested assistance from Fort Riley's commander in November 1864, no regular troops were dispatched. The fort proved controversial—some settlers argued its location, vulnerable to Indian attack from brush across the river, could not be adequately defended, and an angry meeting over the fort's planning led some residents to take their chances outside its walls. Following the cessation of Indian hostilities, George Brooks converted the blockhouse into stables.
Key Facts
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Brooks
- https://www.legendsofamerica.com/fort-brooks-kansas/
- https://www.kansashistory.org/
- https://www.ksgenweb.org/archives/county/map5.html