Historical Forts of the Wild West

Key Takeaways

• Forts protected settlers against possible Native American and outlaw attacks
• Fort Crane in Fort Massacre is the fictional counterpart of the real Fort Craig
• Fort Dobbs was built in North Carolina but in the movie was in New Mexico

Fort Apache, AZ

Established in 1870 in what is now Arizona, the fort was originally called Fort Ord and served as a military base during the conflict with Apache leader Geronimo. Fort Apache continued as a military base until 1922. Today, it’s part of Fort Apache Historic Park.

Movie Connection: Fort Apache (1948) starring John Wayne and Henry Fonda

Fort Bridger, WY

Established in 1843 by mountain man Jim Bridger, the fort originally served as a supply and trading post on the Oregon Trail, offering travelers and settlers a place to rest, and restock supplies. In 1858, it became a military post until closing in 1890. Today, Fort Bridger is a state historic site.

TV Connection: The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger, an INSP original series.

Fort Craig, NM

Established in 1854, Fort Craig was one of the largest forts in New Mexico. Though a military outpost, Fort Craig functioned as a town with stables, a hospital, and a school. By 1885, Fort Craig was abandoned. Today, the Bureau of Land Management owns Fort Craig where visitors can explore the ruins of the once vibrant outpost.

Movie Connection: Fort Massacre (1958) starring Joel McCrea – Set in 1879, Fort Crane in the movie is the fictional representation of Fort Craig.

Fort Dobbs, NC

Built in 1756, Fort Dobbs was the only permanent frontier fort in North Carolina. Established for military defense during the French and Indian War, soldiers successfully thwarted a Cherokee attack in 1760—the fort’s only recorded battle. In 1763, it was abandoned and left in ruins. Today, the reconstructed fort is a state historic site.

Movie Connection: Fort Dobbs (1958) starring Clint Walker and Virginia Mayo. The real Fort Dobbs in North Carolina was a colonial fort, whereas the fictional Fort Dobbs is in New Mexico, and the movie plot most likely takes place during the mid- to late-1800s.

Fort Yuma, CA

Fort Yuma was built as a military outpost in 1848 to protect travelers going to California. In 1851, the post moved to its permanent location in what is now Imperial County, California. Its military service ended in 1883, and Fort Yuma was transferred to the Department of the Interior. Today it’s part of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation.

Movie Connection: Fort Yuma (1955) starring Peter Graves

Fort Utah, UT

Established in 1849, Fort Utah was first used as a trading post between Mormon settlers and the Ute Indian Tribe, but those friendly relations didn’t last long. Today, a monument stands on the site believed to be near the location of the original Fort Utah.

Movie Connection: Fort Utah (1967) starring John Ireland and Virginia Mayo

Fort Bravo, NM

Established in … never! This is a fake fort as far as American history is concerned. But “Fort Bravo, Texas Hollywood” is a Western film set located in Spain and was used as the location for several Sergio Leone Spaghetti Westerns, including Fistful of Dollars and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966), both starring Clint Eastwood. Today, the set is also a theme park, open to tourists.

Additional Movie Connection (in name only): Filmed in California and New Mexico, Escape from Fort Bravo (1953), stars William Holden and John Forsythe. Fort Bravo is a desert fort used as a U.S. Army prison camp during the Civil War.