Fort McKinney

Construction of Fort McKinney began in July of 1878 as army troops from Cantonment Reno relocated their supply post to a prime location on a terrace above the Clear Fork of the Powder River. The buildings at Fort McKinney were more substantial than their predecessors at Cantonment Reno and provided housing and support structures for seven companies of troops, along with officers’ quarters, warehouses, and a hospital. First established to provide support and supplies for army campaigns intended to drive Plains Indian groups out of prime hunting grounds and ultimately onto reservations, Fort McKinney eventually provided security and support for civilian activities. Troops stationed at Fort McKinney built and maintained the first telegraph line in the region and were involved in the growing cattle industry springing up near the burgeoning town of Buffalo. In 1894, the fort was abandoned, and many of its buildings were dismantled. Today, the fort grounds are home to the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming, and two buildings (the hospital and dairy) from the original fort remain. A highway interpretive sign awaits visitors to the site, but be sure to stop by the Jim Gatchell Museum in Buffalo to see a collection of artifacts and photographs from the fort and learn more about its significance to the development of Buffalo and the surrounding region.

Protect Our Heritage!
Help preserve Fort McKinney. Please do not collect artifacts or damage the fort’s remaining structures.