Established in northwestern Nebraska in 1874, Fort Robinson served as a
military post for nearly 75 years, playing a critical role in the
settlement of the West. From here, soldiers marched out to participate
in the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877. The famous Oglala leader Crazy
Horse was killed at the post. In 1878, Dull Knife's band of Northern
Cheyenne attempted to escape the post, resulting in more than 64 deaths.
Troops from Fort Robinson were also sent to the Pine Ridge Agency during
the Ghost Dance fervor in 1890, the last of the armed conflicts with the
Lakota. The arrival of the railroad at Fort Robinson initiated a new
role for the post in the 20th century. Between 1885 and 1907, Fort
Robinson was home to the 9th and 10th Cavalry, the famous buffalo
soldiers. In 1919, Fort Robinson became a remount depot where horses and
mules were purchased and conditioned for issue to the army. During World
War II, Fort Robinson included a German POW internment camp and the site
of the army's largest war dog reception and training center. The fort
closed in 1948 and was made a state park in 1972.