Fort Douglas

Fort Douglas (initially called Camp Douglas) was established in October 1862, during the American Civil War, as a small military garrison about three miles east of Salt Lake City, Utah. Its purpose was to protect the overland mail route and telegraph lines along the Central Overland Route. Over time, it grew into a significant military base in the region, until it was officially closed in 1991 pursuant to BRAC action. Following the closure, a small section of the former fort was retained by the military and operated as the Stephen A. Douglas Armed Forces Reserve Center, until 2026. At one time, the post contained 10,525 acres (4, 259 ha). Most of the fort's former property has been turned over to the University of Utah and many of its buildings are preserved and used by the university for a variety of purposes. The Fort Douglas Military Museum is housed in two former barracks buildings. The site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, for its role in the Civil War and in furthering the settlement of Utah.

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