Article Title: Fort Robinson, Nebraska, Army Remount Depot, 1919-1945

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Full Citation: Miller J Stewart, "Fort Robinson, Nebraska, Army Remount Depot, 1919-1945," Nebraska History 70 (1989): 274-282.

URL of article: http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/publicat/history/full-text/NH1989FtRobinson.pdf

Date: 5/21/2013

Article Summary: Fort Robinson, situated on the White River in northwest Nebraska, has a long and distinguished history. It was established in 1874 and played an active role in the subjugation of the Sioux and northern Cheyenne in the 1870s and was the center of control for the Red Cloud and Pine Ridge Indian Agencies. In 1919 the War Department established a permanent remount depot at Ft Robinson. The depot received, processed, and issued horses and mules for the military service; conducted a horse breeding program; trained personnel in animal management and administration; trained remount troops, and trained personnel in horseshoeing and saddlery.

Cataloging Information:

Names: Edwin N Hardy, Edward C Clavert, Sumner M Williams, William F Morrison Jr, Lauren L Lawson

Place Names: Front Royal, Virginia; Lexington, Kentucky; Sheridan Wyoming; San Angelo, Texas; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Pomona Quartermaster Depot, Pomona, California; Fort Robinson, Nebraska; Crawford, Nebraska; Fort D A Russell, Wyoming; Chadron, Nebraska; Harrison, Nebraska; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort McIntosh, Texas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Tunisia; Sicily; China-Burma-India theater; Fort Carson, Colorado

Keywords: horse drawn units; remounts; US Army Remount Service; Colorado Springs Purchasing and Breeding Headquarters; Quartermaster Corps; US Army Olympic Equestrian Team; Fourth Field Artillery Battalion; military mechanization

Photographs / Images: Fort Robinson Remount Depot; Fort Robinson headquarters and parade ground, 1941; Horses being received at Fort Robinson; Colonel Edwin N Hardy riding Mr Worlich, 1938; Train of pack mules; Soldiers playing polo FORT ROBINSON, NEBRASKA,

By Miller J. Stewart

Fort Robinson, situated on the White the military service (2) receive, condi River in northwest Nebraska, has a tion, and issue stallions used in connec long and distinguished history. tion with the army's horse breeding Established in March 1874, the post program (3) train personnel in animal was named for First Lieutenant Levi H. management and administration (4) Robinson, killed by Indians the pre train remount troops, and (5) train per vious month. Fort Robinson played an sonnel in horseshoeing and saddlery. active role in the subjugation of the These tasks could not be well per Sioux and northern Cheyenne in the formed outside the remount depots. 1870s and was the center for control of Military units trained animals specif the Red Cloud and Pine Ridge Indian ically for work with the cavalry or field agencies.' After Wounded Knee and artillery but rarely had men capable of the end of the Indian wars, the post was first conditioning them or giving pre relatively quiet. The garrison was liminary training. greatly reduced by the assignment of Fort Robinson was an ideal location the Twelfth U.S. Cavalry to the Mexi for a remount depot, with 23,000 acres can border area in 1916, which left only of rolling prairie sparsely covered with twenty-two enlisted men and one small pine trees, fertile soil, and a officer at the fort.2 sixteen-square-mile timber and wood Remounts for mounted and horse reserve. In addition, a Chicago and drawn units in the U.S. Army were at North Western Railroad siding on the this time in great demand, because post aided the smooth receipt and thousands had been used during World issue of animals. "Fort Robinson," War 1. To deal with this need, the War declared Colonel Edwin N. Hardy, Department in 1919 created the chief of the U.S. Army Remount Ser Remount Board, consisting of regular vice in 1941, was "the best of the three army officers and prominent civilian Remount Depots in the country."6 horsemen, and appropriated funds for In early 1920 Lieutenant Colonel a military remount program beginning Edward C. Calvert, Fort Robinson's with fiscal year 1921.3 A small horse commanding officer, and his men breeding program under the U.S. began to prepare the fort for its new Department of Agriculture was taken role. The troops removed from the post over by the army and expanded.4 Per for duty on the Mexican border had left manent remount depots were estab a reduced garrison inadequate to keep lished at Fort Reno, Oklahoma; Front the post in proper condition. Corrals Royal, Virginia; and Fort Robinson, and fences sagged; sheds and stables Nebraska.5 The largest was at Fort became dilapidated; bridges and roads Robinson. These depots, under the disintegrated. In addition, Lieutenant supervision of the Quartermaster Colonel Calvert faced problems caused Corps, were intended to (1) receive, by public and private roads crisscross process, and issue horses and mules for ing the military reservation, making it difficult to efficiently use the land for grazing and cultivation. After much Miller J. Stewart, a retired educator and wrangling, correspondence, and one Anny officer, is a free-lance historian and court case, this matter was resolved in author of the book Moving the Wounded. favor of the government.7 274 ARMY REMOUNT DEPOT, 1919-1945

275 Fort Robinson headquarters and parade ground, 1941. (NSHS-R659-81)

However, the personnel problem sides. Other facilities constructed about five years of age. When these proved more difficult. The majority of included box stalls for stallions and animals arrived on the post, they were the enlisted men posted for duty in mares; new stables for brood mares quarantined to make sure they were 1919 were one-year soldiers; few had and yearlings; storage sheds for healthy and then trained by civilians intended to remain in the army and by machinery; hay and grain buildings; hired for that purpose.1 2 Before an late summer 1920 had been discharged. concrete dipping vat; concrete ford issue was made, each riding horse, From December 1919 to December across the White River; shelter sheds; equipped with flat saddle and snaffle 1920 the number ofenlisted men at Fort and new water systems.9 Of course, bit, was ridden until it was easily Robinson dropped from 136 to 44. 8 some older structures were demolished handled. Each draft animal was gen Soldier replacements were unobtain to make way for new ones. Five tled and accustomed to work with a able for a time, which made the depot barracks dating from 1887 were razed team. Colts purchased at the depot in wholly dependent upon a scarce and in 1923. 10 During major new construc the previous year were stabled, con uncertain civilian labor supply. tion begun in 1927, several elaborate ditioned, and gentled for issuance the The first task for the small number of horse stables were built. I I coming year. Unsuitable animals were enlisted men supplemented with Civilian laborers, both permanent condemned and destroyed.13 The first civilian laborers from nearby Crawford and temporary, continued to be group of over 200 was issued in 1921 to was stringing thirty-eight miles of employed at Fort Robinson throughout National Guard and ROTC mounted fence, rebuilding corrals, some stables, the remount depotera. A few long-term units. A group of 199 cavalry horses was and water troughs. Three bridges were employees experienced in handling shipped to a detachment of the Fif put in good order and some of the main horses were assured of long tenure. teenth U.S. Cavalry at Fort D. A. roads repaired. This rebuilding, repair, Most of the laborers were engaged in Russell, Wyoming. These animals and new construction went on at a construction, farm chores, and building received much favorable comment.14 furious pace, then slowed only to pick maintenance. This employment boost The role of Fort Robinson and the up again - an ongoing operation super ed the economy of Crawford and the other remount depots was of vised by quartermaster and noncom surrounding vicinity. Ranchers, who paramount importance, not only in the missioned officers. Particularly notable sold excess forage and sometimes receipt and issue of horses and mules was the fabrication and installation of animals to the remount depot, for the military, but in the army horse the Reno type bunk or feeder, a com benefited greatly. breeding program as well. The army's bination hay and grain rack so placed Most of the horses handled at the breeding program had come into full that animals could feed from both remount depot were purchased when operation in 1919 with the creation of 276 Fort Robinson

the Remount Board and began at Fort only for locating and procuring the best the care and maintenance of the Robinson in early 1920 with the arrival available stallions, but also for placing stallions. At least twenty mares were to of 125 draft mares from Fort Keogh, them in the hands of civilian breeders be bred. The government was not Montana.ls All the mares had been throughout the country and for super obligated to buy the offspring of the bred to thoroughbred stallions the pre vising the actual conduct of breeding stallions, but normally about seventy vious spring and were in excellent con activities. The Colorado Springs five percent of the horses procured dition. Among the stallions received in Purchasing and Breeding Headquar were produced by sires placed with 1920 were Defense, O'Sullivan, and ters handled affairs in conjunction with agents under the breeding program.20 Roly from Fort Keogh. 16 A total of 118 the Fort Robinson Remount Depot. The private breeder was prohibited brood mares were assigned to these Colorado Springs also placed stallions from using the stallion for commercial three stallions between April 1920 and in Arizona, Wyoming, California, and purposes or personal gain. However, January 1921. From the 1920s to the other western states.19 later regulations permitted the breeder outbreak of World War II, such brood Before civilian breeders, or local to charge a modest stud fee for each mares as Sweet Charity, Fair Witch, Sue agents as they were sometimes called, outside mare bred. If the stallion Russell, Silent Moment, Shower of received a stallion, they had to satisfac proved unsatisfactory, it could be Roses, Nebraska Belle, Twinkle torily complete a questionnaire which returned without expense to the Twinkle, and others continued to pro ascertained location ofthe ranch, hous government. In case the stallion fell duce healthy, well-formed foals. ing facilities for the stallions, grazing sick, the breeder was to provide the However, not all horse breeding area, type of grass, and the number and best veterinary care available. If the activities were carried on at the breed ofmares to be serviced. Stallions stallion died, its body was to be decent remount depots. A long-range plan were shipped to the recipient at ly buried to a sufficient depth that involving area ranchers and other government expense, but the breeder would prevent ravaging by dogs or wild private horse breeders was put into was responsible for all costs incident to animals, and the grave was to be operation by the Remount Board in 1921. 17 The plan resulted from the dif ficulty experienced by the Remount Service in procuring horses and mules Horses being received at Fort Robinson. (NSHS-R659-4483) during World War I, when authorities realized that a serious shortage of suit able animals was developing as a result of the general trend toward motoriza tion on American farms and ranches. To implement this program the nation was divided geographically into remount areas, each with an appro priate headquarters. At the outbreak of World War II there were seven remount areas corresponding roughly to the seven corps areas. With the decline of remount activities, the number was reduced to six in late 1944. The six were located at Front Royal, Virginia; Lex ington, Kentucky; Sheridan, Wyoming; San Angelo, Texas; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Pomona Quartermaster Depot, Pomona, California. Their re sponsibilities consisted largely of pro curing animals for military use, of buying stallions for breeding purposes, and of selecting and inspecting civilian breeding centers.18 The role of the remount areas was vital in the army horse breeding pro gram, for they were responsible not 277 Nebraska History - Winter 1989

Colonel Edwin N. Hardy riding Mr. Worlich, 1938 (NSHS-R659-2659) marked by an inexpensive marker.21 military officer in charge. Remount regimental type capable of accom In addition to its value to the military officers at Fort Robinson complained modating forty-four patients, including remount program, the army horse that all too often breeders returned four in isolation. A central brick-paved breeding program did a great deal to stallions in poor condition. Those with drive wide enough for a standard horse improve the breeding stock of agents incurable injuries or diseases had to be ambulance ran the entire length of the who participated. Every effort was destroyed. Remount officers believed hospital, which included a well made by the Fort Robinson Remount that more frequent inspections of equipped, well-lighted operating room. Depot to build up the breeding stock of stallions on loan to private agents Opposite the operating room and Crawford area ranchers and horse would have reduced or eliminated across the drive were the offices, dis raisers. Government stallions were not such problems.23 pensary, and library. The entire build only placed with them through the Continuous veterinary care was ing was heated by steam from a breeding program, but animals were given animals during their stay at the basement boiler.24 sold to private parties and privately Fort Robinson Remount Depot. Cor In such a large animal facility as Fort owned mares were bred at the post. rals, stables, and pastures were daily Robinson, a great deal of veterinary The finest examples of the remount surveyed for sick animals. Thousands attention was required for wounds and depot's breeding stock were exhibited of horses and mules were inoculated, other unavoidable traumas such as periodically at local fairs in Crawford, treated for traumas, and maintained in sprains, dislocations, simple fractures, Harrison, and Chadron.22 good health. In addition, routine and hematomas. A considerable num In spite of its overall success, some inspection of forage, meat and dairy ber of penetrating and lacerating problems with the program developed. products, and sanitation came under wounds were caused by barbed wire Placing and keeping a stallion with a the jurisdiction of the veterinary fences (later replaced by smooth wire private breeder required a voluminous section. fences) and the untrained handling of amount of correspondence and a con The veterinary hospital, built in western horses in the stables.25 siderable amount of travel by the 1908, was the standard brick cavalry Strangles, pneumonia, and equine 278 Fort Robinson

influenza (shipping fever) were the of all significant veterinary data on to tbe hay fields during June, July and August where privates keep up their end of harvesting leading diseases requiring hospitaliza army horse breeding activities. This alongside civilian laborers whose remunera tion is tion. Another source of concern was data was to be collected at each frequently double [that[ of the so!diers.J2 ringworm. The cause of this infection remount depot and su bmitted annually Recreation took a number of forms. was unknown, for there had been no to the Veterinary Division. Here the Dances on and off the post were always history of ringworm at Fort Robinson data was analyzed and disseminated to popular, and a tennis court was open to prior to 1925. Lack of isolation pens veterinarians at each of the remount all personnel. A post library and read aggravated the problem. Fortunately, depots.3D The plan sought to insure ing room were available, and by 1932 this disease was eventually brought uniform veterinary care and treatment moving pictures were being shown under control by use of a lime and sul at all remount depots by keeping three times weekly. Base ball, a popular phur dip.26 veterinary officers informed of new sport at many western military posts, Early in 1921 a strange disorder developments in the field of horse 31 was less so at Fort Robinson during the which baffled Fort Robinson veterinar breeding. 1920s and 1930s because of the time ians showed up among the brood Fort Robinson during the remount required to tend the animals on the mares. The symptoms included depot era provided for the needs of its post. However, a softball league was sluggish movement of hind legs, human as well as its animal residents. organized in the 1930s with teams con swollen bellies, and high temperatures. Officers realized that sisting of ten players plus five sub Carriers of the disease were detected to keep up the morale of the enlisted men depar stitutes. Regular games were sched only by the spread of the disease to tures must be made from the daily grind of clean ing out stables, riding, grooming and feedin& uled, many with teams in Crawford, animals associated with them.27 Even during the fall, winter and spring and then [going] where the game was more popular.33 tually the director of the Remount Ser vice in Washington, D.C. sent a veterinary specialist, who determined that the mares were suffering from Train of pack mules. (NSHS-R659-365) equine infectious anemia (swamp fever) and recommended the destruc tion of infected animals, segregation of suspected cases, and the quarantine of pasturage. These recommendations were carried out, but the depot did lose eighteen mares and nine colts. 28 Besides the treatment of diseases and injuries, the veterinary section was responsible for inoculating and testing all incoming animals as well as testing breeding animals. All horses when first received were tested for glanders, the fatal disease that could destroy an entire herd of horses or mules. Inoculations against equine encepha lomyelitis, tetanus, and anthrax com prised a large part of the veterinary workload in the remount depots. At Fort Reno and Fort Robinson these accounted for more than 200,000 inoculations during the World War II period.29 Post-mortem examinations were conducted on all government animals that died of unknown causes or that had to be destroyed. In 1936 the Veterinary Division ofthe Surgeon General's Office prepared a well-integrated plan to assist in the collection, submission, and tabulation 279 Nebraska History - Winter 1989

A polo team provided recreation and the post's staple crop. The White River and was also post commander, recom promoted interest in horses and horse Valley had for years shown a yield per mended that the post be redivided in a manship. In 1924 the team played acre that equalled that of any area in manner that would take away from the three games in Omaha and in 1925 the state. Forage production was begun remount depot the only permanent traveled to Fort Meade, South Dakota, on the post by sowing alfalfa on virgin stables and stable areas assigned to it to play.34 Officers also formed at their sod, and by 1922 three cuttings yielded in the post proper and move other own expense the Soldier Creek Hunt 1,200 tons - a low yield because of a depot installations entirely offthe post. Clu b to run down coyotes in lieu of the grasshopper invasion.39 However, the War Department disap traditional fox with their pack ofWelsh, The year 1928 brought many changes proved, and the plan was never English, and French stag hounds, many to Fort Robinson. Major Sumner M. implemented. The remount depot in of which were donated to the Fort Williams, Quartermaster Corps, 1931 regained its former exclusive use Robinson boys by the cavalry school at assumed command of the post Feb of the military reservation after the Fort Riley, Kansas, and a Denver, ruary 10, 1928. At the same time official Fourth Field Artillery Battalion was Colorado, hunt club.35 Officers and word was received that the Fourth posted to Fort Bragg, North enlisted men, together with a scattering Field Artillery Battalion, a pack unit, Carolina.42 of like-minded citizens from Crawford, would be permanently stationed at Fort In April of 1932 Fort Robinson was availed themselves of the opportunity Robinson. This unit was being sent to designated headquarters of the Ne to ride to hounds twice a week. A Nebraska because of the crowded braska District of the Seventh Corps decade later the 1936 U.S. Army Olym training facilities of its previous postat Area of the newly established Civilian pic Equestrian Team trained at the Fort McIntosh, Texas.4o The post com Conservation Corps, administered by excellent Fort Robinson Remount mander was directed to recommend a the War Department. Major Edwin N. Depot riding facilities. The teams of suitable division of the military reser Hardy, post commander, supervised 1938 and 1939 also trained at the vation to accommodate both the the Nebraska District from the time of post.36 artillery battalion and the remount its establishment until district head Farming and gardening at Fort depot. The subsequent division gave to quarters were moved to Fort Crook, Robinson provided a large amount of the artillery four brick barracks, three Omaha, a year later. Fort Robinson's forage and vegetables for the men and brick stables, three wooden stables, the buildings were repaired and several animals. The year 1922 was an blacksmith shop, and some sheds as recreational facilities built by the CCC especially good year for the post gar well as 2,500 to 3,000 acres in the between 1933 and 1935.43 den. While the exact acreage is northern part of the reservation. The In 1939 Fort Robinson was placed on unknown, it must have been quite large remainder of the property, including a full-time war footing. The resulting to yield twenty-six different varieties of the timber and wood reserve, exclusive demand upon the animal and vegetables ranging from beans to of the post proper, was reserved for the veterinary sections was monumental. watermelons. Poundage yields in use of the remount depot. All facilities Average animal strength jumped from cluded 3,739 of carrots; cucumbers, of the post such as the post exchange, 1,324 in late 1929 to 2,606 in late 1940. 1,470; lettuce, 150; green onions, 1,021; hospital, gymnasium, and headquar The number of incoming animals for potatoes, 51,470; radishes, 130; turnips, ters, were to be in common use. Lieuten the same period jumped from 763 to 1,235; and watermelons, 800. The post's ant Colonel William F. Morrison, Jr., 7,287; the number issued from 509 to gardeners exhibited their produce as commanding officerofthe Fourth Field 2,108.44 The single largest shipment partofthe Dawes County display atthe Artillery Battalion, arrived at Fort came in 1943 when 1,082 mules were Nebraska State Fair in Lincoln and Robinson May 1 and the body of his loaded onto 49 stock cars at the railroad were awarded first premium.37 Dairies troops on May 21.41 siding.45 maintained on the post furnished Social and official relations between Mules had been handled at Fort enough high grade milk for the gar the two units were generally good. The Robinson throughout the remount rison, and pigs and chickens were depot received from the artillery as sur depot era, but World War II greatly also raised. plus twenty-five riding horses and increased demand for these sturdy, The years 1921-26 were boom years forty-nine pack mules. The veterinary sure-footed pack animals. Mules were for the post farmers, as indicated by the services of both organizations were handled in much the same way as the 1926 crop yield: alfalfa, 1,360 tons; pooled, and the senior veterinarian horses but were trained to climb over prairie hay, 30 tons; oat and rye hay, 37 placed in charge of the combined ser rough terrain. In the early years of the tons; corn, 40,190 pounds; oats, 150,000 vice and veterinary hospital. Neverthe war, more horses than mules were pro pounds; sorghum, 43,000 pounds; and less, Lieutenant Colonel Lauren L. cessed by the Remount Service, but by straw for bedding, 135 tons.38 All con Lawson, who assumed command of the 1943, when only four horses were ditions indicated that alfalfa would be Fourth Field Artillery January 1, 1929, purchased (and none thereafter), 280 SoldieTs playing polo. (NSHS-R659-2675)

10,200 mules were procured and more schedule instituted. All officers per processing of horses and mules return than 14,000 in the final two years of the manently assigned to the depot were to ing from the war zone in Europe war.46 Pack mules were used by U.S. be instructors. Fort Robinson also became as great a task as processing forces in Tunisia, Sicily, and especially received a fair number of quartermas newly received animals. This situation in the rugged mountain terrain of Italy ter and veterinary corps reserve began to develop when many cavalry where motorized vehicles could not officers assigned for varying periods units were dehorsed, because the negotiate the steep, narrow trails. of training.48 troops were needed overseas im Animal pack outfits were also used in Between World Wars I and II the role mediately and no shipping space was the China-Burma-India theater. How of animals in modern warfare was available for the animals. 53 The dis ever, despite the sharp increase in pro widely studied and discussed. World mounting of one famous regiment, the curement of mules in the United War I signaled an end to the traditional Fourth U.S. Cavalry, took place at Fort States, many of the pack animals used role of cavalry as an attack force. Its Robinson in April 1942.54 overseas were procured locally new role was one of "reconnoitering, Remount Branch statistics for fiscal because of the difficulty of shipping so scouting, and harassment, with a years 1941-45 indicate the extent to many mules and their forage from secondary purpose of attack."49 In 1930 which horses were liquidated in World this country.47 the Army Chief of Staff, General War n. Approximately 33,000 horses During the war accusations that Douglas MacArthur, ordered that each were returned to the depots as com veterinary officers in military units service branch "be mechanized to the pared to less than 31,000 issued lacked experience with horses and fullest extent to achieve its mission."50 (exclusive of about 3,900 loaned to the mules reached the ears of the However, the army in 1940 still had two Coast Guard for beach patrol duty). veterinary staff at Fort Robinson. horse cavalry divisions, two horse The army horse breeding program con Hence a Veterinary Officer Training drawn artillery regiments, and two tinued to operate on a slightly reduced and Replacement Pool was established mixed horse and motor transport scale throughout the war. It was more at the fort quartermaster depot in 1943 regiments with a total authorized difficult to place stallions with civilian to give young veterinarians practical animal strength of 16,000-20,000 horses agents, because war conditions and instruction in the care and handling of and 3,500 mules. 51 And at the time of shortage of farm laborers made it horses and mules prior to their military Pearl Harbor, about half the army's impossible in many instances to pro assignments. By August 23, 1943, a cavalry forces were still horse vide proper care. Nevertheless, 39,999 curriculum had been set up, texts mounted.52 foals were produced during the war selected, and a four-week training Beginning in 1942 the receipt and years.55 281 Nebraska History - Winter 1989

As World War II continued to wind ment of the Army, Office of the Quartermaster 28"Remount Depot History," 1921. General, 1958), 5. 29Miller, Veterinary Service, 495. down, so did the enlisted strength at 4A. D. Melvin, "Breeding Horses for the U.S. JOLieutenant Colonel William Jennings, V.C., Fort Robinson. The veterinary section Army," U.s.D.A. Circular 178, April 1911. "Twelve Years of Horse Breeding in the U.S. compensated by using German 'War Department, Special Order No. 129, Army," Journal American Veterinary Medical December 1, 1919. The Pomona, California, Association (1950), 11-15. prisoners of war from the nearby Remount Depot was acquired in 1943 when W. K. )IIbid. prisoner of war camp, established Kellogg donated his Arabian horse nursery to the J2"Remount Depot History," 1925. government. Everett B. Miller, The United Sllltes JJIbid., 1932. March 15, 1943, which had space for Veterinary Service in World War II (Washington, J4Ibid., 1925. over 3,000 inmates. About twenty-eight D.C.: Department of the Army, Surgeon J'Ibid., 1932. Grange, "Fort Robinson," 230. men per day were needed, several of General's Office, 1961),492. Waller, Army Horses, )·Grange, "Fort Robinson," 230. Hytrek, "Fort 10. Robinson," 41-42. The August 19, 1928, Crawford whom were used as laboratory 60maha Surulay World-Herald, January 14, Tribune described a riding and jumping exhibi technicians in the operating room.56 1941. Colonel Hardy was stationed at Fort Robin tion staged by the equestrian team for the benefit By 1947 military mechanization was son in the early 1930s. of area citizens. 7"Remount Depot History," 1920, RG92, J7"Remount Depot History," 1922. For a almost complete, and the War Depart Records of the 0 ffice of the Quartermaster detailed account of the army agriculture pro ment determined that horses and General, Fort Robinson Remount Depot, at gram, see Miller J. Stewart, "To Plow, To Sow, To National Archives and Records Administration, Reap, To Mow: The US Army Agriculture Pro mules in its operations were no longer Central Plains Region, Kansas City, Missouri. gram," Nebraska History 63(Sumrner 1982), 194 needed. On July 1, 1948, the army horse 8"Post Returns, Fort Robinson, Nebraska 215. breeding program was transferred to (1917-1920)," RG501, Records of the American J8"Remount Depot History," 1926. Expeditionary Forces, RG 120, National Archives J9Ibid., 1920, 1922, 1925. the Department of Agriculture, along and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. 4oCrawford Tribune, March 2, 1928. with the remount depots, equipment, 9"Remount Depot History," 1920. 4I"Remount Depot History," 1928. and breeding stock. The program was 'OBuecker, "1887 Expansion," 92. 42Ibid., 1928-31. "Roger T. Grange, Jr., "Fort Robinson, Out "Heather M. Wilson, "A Brief History of the liquidated the following year and all post on the Plains," Nebraska History 39(Sep Civilian Conservation Corps in Nebraska" property sold at public auction.57 Two tember 1958), 233. (Unpublished, Nebraska State Historical '2Hytrek, "Fort Robinson," 34. Society, 1985), 2-3. Grange, "Fort Robinson," animal units equipped with mules and a IJ"Remount Depot History," 1928. 233. Hytrek, "Fort Robinson," 39-40. small number of horses were retained ,4Ibid., 1921. 44Miller, Veterinary Service, 495. at Fort Carson, Colorado, but were '5Ibid, 1920, 1925. Colonel Floyd C. Sager, 4'Hoof Beats arul Barks (Fort Robinson post V.C., History ofthe Veterinary Service at the Fort newspaper), March 12, 1943. The title refers to deactivated February 15, 1957, and all Robinson Quartermaster Remount Depot, 1929 the remount depot and to the War Dog Reception their animals sold or transferred to 1945 (Unpublished manuscript, Nebraska State and Training Center, activated on October 3, other government agencies.58 An era Historical Society Archives, Lincoln). 1942, to train war dogs for sentry, trail, tactical, 1·"Remount Depot History," 1920. sledge, pack, and hospital service. The installa had ended. Fort Robinson today is a '7Waller, Army Horses, 5. tion was closed in September 1946. Grange, "Fort Nebraska state park with original and 18Ibid. Robinson," 231. 19Ibid.,8. 46Waller, Army Horses, 24. reconstructed buildings to interpret 2°Ibid. 47Ibid., 27. the post's varied past, including the 21Stallion Record Files, RG501, Series 2, Box 2, 48S ager, Veterinary Service. remount depot era. Folders 18-20. 49Tbomas R. Buecker, "The Dismounting of 22"Remount Depot History," 1921. The Sep the Fourth Cavalry at Fort Robinson, 1942," tember 4, 1925, Crawford Tribune noted: "The Rural Electric Nebraskan 43(February 1989):12. fine, thorobred borses.shown by the mana~ers of 50Ibid. the Remount Station at Fort Robinson lat the "Waller, Army Horses, 10. NOTES 1925 Tri-State Fair in Crawford I attracted con '2Buecker, "Fourth Cavalry," 12. IThomas R. Buecker, "The 1887 Expansion of siderable attention and elicited much favorable "Waller, Army Horses, 16. Fort Robinson," Nebraska History 68(Summer comment." 54Buecker, "Fourth Cavalry," 12. 1987):83-84. 2J"Remount Depot History," 1925-31. "Ibid., 19. 2Anthony J. Hytrek, "The History of Fort 24Ibid., 1925. '6Sager, Veterinary Service. Robinson, Nebraska, From 1900 to the Present" 2'Ibid., 1926. '7U.S. Stats at Large, 62: Pt. I, 197; C. D. Ram (Masters degree thesis, Chadron State College, 26Ibid., 1928, 1929. sell, "The Remount Service," Quartermaster 1971), 29. 27Ibid., 1921. Veterinary Service in Wartime Review, 25(November-December 1955). ) Anna M. Waller, Army Horses arul Mules arul (Chicago, IL: Veterinary Magazine Corps, '8Waller, Army Horses, 30. National Defense (Washington, D.C.; Depart 1942).

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