University of Wyoming
Fort David A. Russell (Wyo.) is a national historic landmark in Wyoming. It was originally established at the point where the Union Pacific Railroad would cross the Crow Creek and was officially designated Fort David A. Russell on September 8, 1867, as a frontier infantry and cavalry post serving as a supply depot and providing protection for transcontinental railroad crews. The fort, with its strategic location and railroad connection, was declared a permanent post by the War Department in 1885 and an extensive building program began.
The Fort David A. Russell Orderly Ledger is a leather bound, hand-written daily ledger that details the duties of individual soldiers by name; grants and denials of requested leave; court martials which include plea, finding, and sentences; releases from duty; changes in fort activities such as holidays; and rescheduling of activities such as target practice. Each entry was approved by the commanding officer or the second-in-command. The Fort David A. Russell Orderly Ledger dates from January 1, 1888 through March 14, 1889. Colonel Mizner was the commanding officer during this period. Collection also contains an legislative publication regarding building repairs for the fort in 1883.
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There are no known other archival collections created by Fort David A. Russell at the date of processing.
This material was received from Sun Dance Books in 1988 and Jordan Antiques & Antiquarian Books in 2021.
The collection was processed by Jamie J. Greene in October 2022.
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.