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Kansas Fort Series #2
Fort Hays: Keeping Peace on the Plains
For the thousands who came seeking their fortunes on the Plains, military forts provided protection along routes of travel. Fort Hays was one such outpost, founded in 1865 on the Smoky Hill Trail. Because the route cut through the heart of American Indian hunting grounds, Fort Hays struggled to keep the peace as violence erupted between advancing settlers and Indians resisting invasion of their homelands.
82 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1980
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 23, 2023
"Fort Hays: Keeping Peace on the Plains" offers a captivating glimpse into the history of Fort Hays and its role in maintaining peace in the volatile frontier during the 19th century. The book delivers a well-researched narrative that is both informative and entertaining, making it a worthwhile read for history enthusiasts.
The author expertly paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by soldiers stationed at Fort Hays, while also highlighting the significant impact the fort had on the surrounding communities. The inclusion of personal anecdotes and letters from soldiers and civilians alike adds a human touch to the historical events, making the story come to life.
The book's flow is generally smooth, and the writing style is accessible to a wide audience. The author manages to keep the reader engaged throughout, avoiding excessive jargon and maintaining a balanced tone between scholarly and approachable.
While the book undoubtedly delves into the struggles faced by the military personnel, it could have explored more deeply some aspects of the Native American perspective. A more comprehensive examination of the interactions and conflicts between the soldiers and the indigenous peoples would have provided a well-rounded portrayal of the events.
Furthermore, the inclusion of more maps and illustrations would have been helpful, aiding the reader in visualizing the geography and layout of Fort Hays and its surrounding region. This would have enhanced the overall reading experience and complemented the narrative.
Despite these minor shortcomings, "Fort Hays: Keeping Peace on the Plains" is an engaging account that sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of American history. It serves as a commendable addition to any history enthusiast's library, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by those who sought to keep the peace on the frontier.
The author expertly paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by soldiers stationed at Fort Hays, while also highlighting the significant impact the fort had on the surrounding communities. The inclusion of personal anecdotes and letters from soldiers and civilians alike adds a human touch to the historical events, making the story come to life.
The book's flow is generally smooth, and the writing style is accessible to a wide audience. The author manages to keep the reader engaged throughout, avoiding excessive jargon and maintaining a balanced tone between scholarly and approachable.
While the book undoubtedly delves into the struggles faced by the military personnel, it could have explored more deeply some aspects of the Native American perspective. A more comprehensive examination of the interactions and conflicts between the soldiers and the indigenous peoples would have provided a well-rounded portrayal of the events.
Furthermore, the inclusion of more maps and illustrations would have been helpful, aiding the reader in visualizing the geography and layout of Fort Hays and its surrounding region. This would have enhanced the overall reading experience and complemented the narrative.
Despite these minor shortcomings, "Fort Hays: Keeping Peace on the Plains" is an engaging account that sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of American history. It serves as a commendable addition to any history enthusiast's library, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by those who sought to keep the peace on the frontier.
January 17, 2022
As the people of European extraction moved westward, the Native Americans recognized the consequences and often fought back. Although it was an unequal fight, the Native Americans were able to do significant damage to the encroachers. Particularly vulnerable were the work crews that were laying down additional railroad track. The Native Americans clearly understood that when the railroad came, the number of people of European extraction that would follow would be overwhelming.
As a consequence, many of the forts built for U. S. Army units were along the rail lines. Fort Hays was such a fort and for some time it was the major strong point in that area of Kansas. The soldiers were generally understrength and had to do other tasks such as building the structures of the fort. Some very well known names of the west were at some time stationed at Fort Hays. People such as George Custer. James Hickok, Philip Sheridan and William Cody were there at some point in their careers.
Although brief, this is an excellent summary of a critical component of the process of the people of European extraction taking control of the western lands. While violent and with occasional local victories by the Native Americans, the ultimate victory was never in doubt.
As a consequence, many of the forts built for U. S. Army units were along the rail lines. Fort Hays was such a fort and for some time it was the major strong point in that area of Kansas. The soldiers were generally understrength and had to do other tasks such as building the structures of the fort. Some very well known names of the west were at some time stationed at Fort Hays. People such as George Custer. James Hickok, Philip Sheridan and William Cody were there at some point in their careers.
Although brief, this is an excellent summary of a critical component of the process of the people of European extraction taking control of the western lands. While violent and with occasional local victories by the Native Americans, the ultimate victory was never in doubt.
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September 30, 2026SM
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews