OSHER 641 - Lecture: Frontier Army in Utah Territory + Fort Douglas

Probably no other federal agency had as profound an impact on the early history of Utah as the U.S. Army. Officers of the Topographical Engineers produced some of the earliest maps of the territory and then in 1857, amid rumors that Utah might break from the Union, a large expedition was sent here to re-establish federal authority. During the Civil War, Camp Douglas was established on the edge of Salt Lake City primarily to keep the transportation routes open but then also became deeply enmeshed in local politics. Join historian Ephraim Dickson for a fascinating overview discussion of the army's role in early Utah. An optional 1-hour walking tour of Fort Douglas will follow. Coffee and light refreshments provided.