Fort Morgan, Colorado

A Brief History of Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan’s modern community grew from irrigation and rail development rather than directly from its earlier military namesake. The Army post operated from 1864 to 1868, protecting mail routes, stagecoaches and wagon trains. Abner S. Baker later recognized the agricultural possibilities of the South Platte Valley and built an irrigation canal in 1882 with British financing. He founded the town in 1884 and offered alternating lots to a railroad-affiliated land company to encourage development. A depot at the south end of Main Street strengthened the new settlement. Farms, reservoirs and related commerce supported further growth during the early twentieth century.