Most people are familiar with the saying “history repeats itself.” Such is the case with the log structures at Fort Atkinson. In 1827, at abandonment, the structures at the fort showed the effects of time due to weather and insect invasion. The same has occurred to the reconstructed fort.
Nebraska Game and Parks has found the maintenance and preservation of the reconstructed fort a challenge and a learning experience. Engineers have developed a method of preservation and system to replace deteriorating logs. Due to the urgency, log replacement, repair and preservation has begun in earnest.
Nebraska Game and Parks has provided funding to complete log replacement on the north end of the west wall. Foundation grant writing has made it possible to continue the renovation for the west end of the north wall and that work will begin in April 2021.
The Foundation is now working to raise the funds needed to complete the work on the remaining walls. Would you consider joining us in this effort? We have developed a unique way to connect the past with the present with our “buy a log” program. Your donation will help purchase logs and with that, you have the opportunity to “adopt” a person that lived at the fort. Perhaps a soldier, possibly with your surname or maybe a civilian would interest you. All donations of $250.00 or above will be commemorated with a brick that includes your name and the name of your adopted person from the 1820’s. Bricks will be installed in the new donors walk near the west gate. This is your opportunity to make history come alive and honor those that served all those years ago. Your donation will help keep the fort standing for another forty plus years!
For more information, contact David Genoways, President of the Foundation at 1-402-468-5685, write Ft. Atkinson Foundation PO Box 432, Ft. Calhoun, NE 68023 or email at dgenoways@ftcpioneers.org
Fort Atkinson log structure restoration/repair
| Description | Amount | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 2B – West Barrack north section | 225,000.00 | Phase I |
| 3A – North Barrack west section | 280,000.00 | Phase II |
| 3B – North Barrack east section | 360,000.00 | Phase III |
| Sutler Store | 9,000.00 | Phase IV |
| Armorer's Shop | 30,000.00 | Phase IV |
| Council House | 77,000.00 | Phase IV |
| Trapper's Cabin | 66,000.00 | Phase IV |
| 1A, 1B, 2A – South and west Barrack east, west and south sections | 250,000.00 | Phase V |
| Total Cost | 1,297,000.00 | |
| Nebraska Game & Parks | 232,500.00 | |
| The Leona M and Harry B Helmsley Charitable Trust | 272,500.00 | |
| Funds raised | 505,000.00 | |
| Funds to be raised | 792,000.00 |