Camp Collins

In the midst of Indian Wars and emigrant migration, Army troops in the West understood the need for forts at defensive locations. In 1864, Colonel William O. Collins issued an order changing the site of Camp Collins from near La Porte to the present day location of Fort Collins. This change was made to "afford more space for improvement, be free from overflow by high waters, and the interference and injury from lot-holders in the town of La Porte and the settlers and claimants of land in the immediate neighborhood." (Spring, p. 184) This location was chosen also because it was a defensive location between the Ute, Arapahoe, and Cheyenne tribes.

Lieutenant Caspar Collins' map of the new site of Camp Collins has been professionally framed and hangs on a wall of the Archives and Special Collections Department. This map is 21" x 17" and sits under glass and a matte. A researcher will notice that the map was at one point folded and is marked by dirt stains. Drawn before completion of the camp, this map represents a blueprint of what the camp would eventually look like. Structures are drawn with notes of "built" or "not built," and all include dimensions. Although titled and colored, this map does not include a legend. It is scaled at 50 feet to the inch.

Today Fort Collins is the biggest city in Northern Colorado, populated by around 100,000 people. Home to Colorado State University, the city hosts many cultural events every year and draws visitors from surrounding states. Despite its recent growth, Fort Collins still embodies the small town spirit in its Old Town Square and historic district downtown.