Six close-up views of a 1907 post card depicting the structure known as Fort Jackson, formerly located at the Cold Spring (south end of Spruce Street), Gratz, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The building that was there was an old log structure that may have dated to the presidency of Andrew Jackson (1829-1837), hence the name. The only known usage of Fort Jackson was as a dwelling, sometimes having tenants. Speculated usages include as a stop on the Underground Railroad and an armory for the Gratztown Militia. The area north of Fort Jackson, up to what is now Market Street in Gratz, was used as a training area for the militia, fueling speculation that the building was part of community preparedness. And, in the years of the Civil War, Black tenants were living on the property.
In the early 20th century, the building deteriorated and the roof caved in. The structure then appeared as it does in the post card view. In the 20s and 30s, Gratz residents held picnics at the Cold Spring in the vicinity of Fort Jackson. A few photos taken at the time show Fort Jackson.
Today, there is nothing left of Fort Jackson other than a few stones marking its foundation. The area is inaccessible other than through private property.
At the end of this post are links to previous articles about Fort Jackson.
_______________________________________________
___________________________________________
____________________________________________
________________________________________
__________________________________________
_____________________________________________
See also:
________________________________________________
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.