Fort Douglas

The Army founded this post above Salt Lake City in 1862, named it Camp Douglas for the late senator Stephen A. Douglas, and set its soldiers first in tents and dugouts, then in stone buildings that still stand. Over the next century Fort Douglas sent men to the Spanish-American War and both World Wars. But its longest mark on Utah may be the land it shed: between 1876 and 1948 the fort's broad acreage was parceled out to become cemeteries, hospitals, state parks, and — largest of all — much of the University of Utah's campus.

What the plaque says

Founded Oct. 22, 1862 by Brevet Major General Patrick Edward Connor and U.S. Volunteers ordered to defend western mail routes. Quartered first in tents and dugouts. Soon stone buildings were erected, some of which are standing. Named Camp Douglas by Pres. Lincoln to honor Stephen A. Douglas. Active in three wars, Spanish American 1898-99; World War I 1917-1919; World War II 1941-45. Contributed much to security of the state and its mining development. From 1876-1948 large tracts of land were deeded to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, State Parks, Veteran and Shriners Hospitals, University of Utah and Salt Lake City.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Red Butte Garden — 0.6 mi
  A 100-acre botanical garden with panoramic valley views
• Natural History Museum of Utah — 0.7 mi
  A world-class museum built into the foothills above Salt Lake City
• This Is The Place Heritage Park — 1.4 mi
  A living history village at the mouth of Emigration Canyon
• Gilgal Sculpture Garden — 2.3 mi
  A surreal and eccentric sculpture garden hidden in a residential neighborhood

More markers nearby

• Rock of the Marne 38th Infantry Regiment — steps away
• Fort Douglas Miltary Museum — steps away
• Women's Service Memorial — steps away
• Utah Fallen Warrior Memorial — steps away