In
November of 1863, Fort McPherson was
established by the United States Government
the settlement
of Cottonwood Springs.
The
location of the fort was at the foot
of the bluffs along the Platte River.
The cause of its location
at this point was an accident. The
expedition sent out for the purpose
was overtaken by
a cold storm and sought shelter under
the bluffs. Finding themselves
near a settlement, they decided
to locate the fort here.
A
better location probably should have
been selected, as the bluffs coming
down so closely enabled
the Indians to approach the fort so
close on one side, unseen, that it proved
very dangerous
to any one who might be a short distance
from the post on that side.
The
military station ws first commanded
by Major O'Brien.