Did you know Fort Douglas PO Shops was once part of a larger military installation? Fort Douglas was established in 1862. It was built during the American Civil War.
Let’s delve into the history of Fort Douglas PO Shops. It began as Camp Douglas. The camp was named after Senator Stephen A. Douglas. He was an ally of the West. Colonel Patrick Connor founded it. He commanded the California-Nevada Volunteers.
The fort’s initial purpose was to protect mail routes. It also guarded telegraph lines. These ran along the Central Overland Route. Colonel Connor also wanted to monitor the Mormons. He watched for any secessionist activity.
The relationship between the army and Mormons changed. They moved from distrust to accommodation. Mormons stayed loyal to the Union. The army’s presence brought money to Salt Lake City.
Camp Douglas became Fort Douglas in 1878. It grew as a supply center. This supported the fast-moving cavalry. By 1901, it trained troops for service elsewhere.
During World War I, Fort Douglas held German POWs. One crew was from the SMS Cormoran. They had left Qingdao China. They were detained in Guam. When the US joined the war the crew became prisoners at Fort Douglas.
The fort had three separate bases by 1940. These were the fort the Salt Lake Airbase and Wendover. The 7th Bomb Group trained here. They flew into Pearl Harbor the morning it was bombed.
After World War II, the Army gave land to the University of Utah. Some Army Reserve functions remained. Maj Gen Michael B Kauffman kept the fort active. The Fort Douglas Military Museum is named after him.
Between 1962 and 1973, the Deseret Test Center was here. It evaluated chemical and biological weapons. However, no tests occurred at Fort Douglas.
The fort officially closed in 1991. Parts were given to the University of Utah. The Utah National Guard kept control of the museum.
Today a small portion remains in use by the U.S. Army Reserve. This is the Stephen A. Douglas Armed Forces Reserve Center.
The University of Utah now uses much of the former fort property. The 2002 Winter Olympics used the campus. The Olympic Village is now student housing.
The Officers’ Club is now a conference center. Some officer’s quarters house university departments.
In 2023, Utah allocated funds to relocate the reserve center. It will move to Camp Williams. After relocation the land will go to the university.
Fort Douglas Cemetery was established in 1862. It is about a mile south of the parade grounds. A monument honors soldiers killed in the Bear River Massacre. German prisoners of war are also buried here. The cemetery is still active.
So next time you visit Fort Douglas PO Shops remember its rich past. It was once a vital military post. It played a significant role in Utah’s history.