Fort Ripley

Fort Ripley was a military post with timber structures arranged around a central courtyard, featuring three defensive blockhouses and a partial wooden fortification facing the river. The layout reflected standard Army fort design of the period.

Established in 1848 as an Army outpost to protect settlers and monitor Native American movements, it closed in 1877. The site played a significant role for the Union during the American Civil War period.

The site became a meeting point between military personnel and local inhabitants, shaping how the region developed during the 1800s. People passing through the area noticed how the fort influenced where settlements grew.

The site is now part of Camp Ripley training facility and remains accessible through Morrison County resources. Check current conditions before visiting since the grounds serve as an active National Guard training area.

During the winter of 1863-1864, the post housed 400 cavalry soldiers and 500 horses, making it a major supply point during the Civil War. This scale of animal husbandry was unusual for the region at that time.

Location: Morrison County

Inception: 1848

GPS coordinates: 46.17556,-94.37306

Latest update: December 18, 2025 11:40