Lot
893 
"Fort Zarah Ks, Nov 25 1865", manuscript postmark ties 3¢ rose (65), corner flaw, on orange cover to Cincinnati, Ohio, docketed "Recd Dec 9"; edge wear, Very Fine and exceptionally rare Fort with only two recorded uses. Estimate $400 - 600.
Fort Zarah was a fort in Barton County, Kansas, northeast of present-day Great Bend, Kansas, that was used from 1864 to 1869. In July 1864, because of frequent attacks from indigenous tribes in the area, Camp Dunlap was established 2 miles east of present-day Great Bend, Kansas, where the Santa Fe Trail crossed Walnut Creek. At first the camp was a series of tents and dugouts on the riverbank close to the Rath Ranch (trading post). However work immediately started on a more permanent facility about 100 yards from the dugouts and renamed Fort Zarah. In 1866 it was replaced by a second Fort Zarah built about 1/2 mile up river. Ft. Zarah was abandoned in 1869. Even though Fort Zarah had a short life, it saw its share of skirmishes with local Native American tribes and colorful characters including George Armstrong Custer, Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Mathewson, Buffalo Bill Cody, Kit Carson, and the Kiowa chief Satank aka Sitting Bear.
Realized: $625