The year was 1860, and the fear of Indian attacks was at its peak. Captain Joseph Stewart and his Carson River Expedition were ordered to establish a post on the Carson River. Starting July 20, 1860, tens of thousands of dollars were spent to construct Fort Churchill, the desert outpost that guarded the Pony Express run and other mail routes. Hundreds of soldiers were based here between expeditions against the Indians.

The fort was named in honor of Sylvester Churchill, the Inspector General of the US Army. It was built as a permanent

installation. Adobe buildings were erected on stone foundations in the form of a square, facing a central parade ground.

The Civil War made the fort an important supply depot for the Nevada Military District, and a base for troops patrolling the

overland routes.

The fort was abandoned in 1869, and the adobe buildings were auctioned for only $750. In 1884, the remains of solders

buried in the post cemetery were moved to Carson City. The remaining graves are those of the Buckland family, pioneer

ranchers who sold supplies to the fort.