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Fort Churchill State Historic Park

By Standley White, About.com Guide

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Nevada state parks Fort Churchill State Historic Park

Adobe ruins at Ft. Churchill, Nevada State Parks

Photo © Stan White

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Why Fort Churchill is a Nevada State Park:

When you look at the ruins today, it's hard to imagine that Fort Churchill was literally at the crossroads of major events when it was built in 1860. What is now Nevada was still part of Utah Territory. Some settlers were moving in to stay while others continued on to California. Conflicts with the original area residents, Paiute and Bannock Indians, were becoming more frequent and violent. The Pony Express route and emigrant trails following the Carson River passed right through this spot. Back east, the Civil War was getting started and wealth from the gold and silver mines was being eyed by both sides.

All these circumstances made Fort Churchill an important depot for the Nevada Military District and a base for troops to protect a variety of area interests.

By 1869, things had settled down and the fort was decommissioned. A local rancher, Samuel Buckland, bought the buildings for $750 and salvaged what he wanted for his Buckland Station. The two-story house he built is still standing next to the Carson River and is part of today's state park. After initially declining to do so in 1871, the State of Nevada eventually acquired title to Fort Churchill and it became a Nevada State Park in 1957.

Of course, there is much more to the story, which you will find at the Fort Churchill State Historic Park website.

What to See and Do at Fort Churchill State Historic Park:

Visitor Information: When you first enter the park, you pass the old post cemetery. Soldiers buried there were moved to Carson City in 1884, but members of the Buckland family are still in residence. The Visitor Center has exhibits on the history of Fort Churchill, Native Americans that inhabited the area, and natural features of the surrounding countryside. There are great views across the fort site and along the Carson River. The current day use entry fee is $4, with an additional $8 if you are camping.

Camping & Picnicking: The 20-site campground is in big cottonwood trees by the Carson River. The sites are flat and many are pull-through for RVs. There is water, but no hook-ups. An RV dump station is located at the campground entrance. A picnic area and group camping site is next to the campground. Group camping is by reservation only; contact the park office to reserve this area.

Hiking: There is a trail along the Carson River from the campground downstream to Buckland Station and its historic exhibits. A separate path leads completely around the old fort site and ruins, with informational signs along the way explaining what the buildings were and how soldiers lived in this remote outpost. The best time to hike either route is morning or late afternoon. There is no shade at all around the fort ruins and it can be brutally hot in the summer.

Hazards & Hassles: As already mentioned, it can be very hot here in the summer. Insects can be thick at times, especially in the trees and down by the river. Rattlesnakes are among the native wildlife, so watch your step while hiking and walking around. Because there are no hook-ups in the campground, people with RVs tend to run generators. You'll have to decide whether or not this is bothersome, but I don't care for it.