American West: Then & Now
The successes in preserving our American West landmarks.
By: Mark Boardman 06/01/2009
Grant House
(Fort Vancouver, WA)
1849
The army constructs the first building at Fort Vancouver—the commanding officer’s house. Ulysses S. Grant frequents it during his stint there as quartermaster in the 1850s, but he never lives there.
2009
The city of Vancouver bought and rehabbed the historic fort’s buildings back in the 1980s. Many of them are rented as residences or businesses. The Grant House—which is open to the public—houses the Restaurant at the Historic Reserve.
– Courtesy Restaurant at the Historic Reserve –
Grant-Kohrs House
(Deer Lodge, MT)
1862
Johnny Grant builds a combination trading post and residence on his cattle ranch. In 1866, he sells it to “Cattle King” Conrad Kohrs.
2009
The ranch is now a National Historic Site, encompassing 1,600 acres and more than 80 historic structures—including the ranch house, with the elegant furnishings bought by Con Kohrs in the 19th century.
– Courtesy National Park Service, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS Photo Archives –
Fort Hays
(Walker, KS)
1865
Fort Fletcher (later renamed Fort Hays) is built to protect stagelines, railroads and pioneers from Indian attacks. George Custer’s 7th Cavalry and the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry will be based there at various points.
2009
The fort is a State Historic Site, featuring four original buildings (the blockhouse, guardhouse and two officers’ quarters), along with a museum that was opened in 1967. Visitors can see military, pioneer and Indian artifacts
and exhibits.
– View images with TWMag.com article-
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