Construction on Fort Ethan Allen began in 1893. The fort was not completed until many years after the first troops arrived. Lying along the Winooski River, the fort featured officers’ quarters, two cavalry barracks’, stables, a bakery, workshops and many other facilities. Initially the fort boasted one telephone, and was lighted by mineral oil, and was heated by kerosene. A trolley line connected the fort to nearby Burlington, VT. In the summer of 1909 the famous Tenth Cavalry, or Buffalo Soldiers, were ordered stationed at Fort Ethan Allen. Fort Ethan Allen was closed in 1961.
In 1893, The U.S. Army’s Quartermaster General issued orders for Captain Guy Howard to oversee the construction of Fort Ethan Allen, in Essex, Vermont.1 Many Americans, including politicians and newspaper editors openly questioned the wisdom or reasons why the U.S. Army would build a fort in Vermont. Congressional representatives pointed out that Canada was “a friendly neighbor”.2 Editors of the New York Age pointed out that while Canada was a friend, Britain had been a foe in the past and was in the process of upgrading fortifications throughout its American possessions.3 Local residents raised money to purchase the necessary 600 acres. The site was finally chosen because of its proximity to railroads.4 In 1894, the first unit, the Third Cavalry arrived at Fort Ethan Allen. Construction continued while troops arrived and local residents contributed to beautification efforts at the fort.5
Life at the fort was began early and finished late. Reveille sounded at 5:30AM, first drill was at 9:00AM and a second was at 5:00PM. The day was filled with classes and work. Units from the fort frequently conducted maneuvers and demonstrations throughout the region. The Army’s F Troop was stationed at the fort. F Troop conducted exhibitions throughout New England.6
Fort Ethan Allen was designated as the Vermont’s National Guard mobilization point. Troops from the fort were dispatched during the Spanish-American War. A typhoid breakout forced troops that had been ordered to the Philippines to return to Fort Ethan Allen. Sick men were spread out all over the fort’s grounds. The Tenth Cavalry, or Buffalo Soldiers, began calling Fort Ethan Allen home in 1909. An article in the New York Age, a leading black newspaper, disputed claims that the soldiers received poor treatment while stationed in Burlington.7 During World War I up to 8,000 troops were stationed at Fort Ethan Allen. World War I was the fort’s busiest time, being designated as one of 15 ROTC training centers.8 In 1938, the fort became the headquarters for Vermont’s Civilian Conservation Corps.9