By Bryan Price - Alaska 2009 003, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51090571
Fort Richardson, located in Anchorage, Alaska, is a historic military installation with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1867. Originally named Fort Davis, it was later renamed in honor of Brigadier General Wilds P. Richardson.
Fort Richardson's military history is closely tied to Alaska's strategic importance, particularly during times of geopolitical tension. The installation has been a key player in various military operations, including the construction of the Alaska Highway during World War II, which facilitated the movement of troops and supplies. It was also briefly used as a holding center for Japanese Americans.
Fort Richardson has evolved into a modern joint base, with the integration of both Army and Air Force units, and is known as Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), reflecting its merger with Elmendorf Air Force Base in 2010. The base is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to support the training, deployment, and sustainment of military forces. Its diverse missions range from homeland defense to providing support for worldwide military operations.
Fort Richardson's contribution to the local community extends beyond its military functions. The base has become an integral part of the Anchorage community, contributing to the city's economic development and fostering strong ties between the military and civilian populations.
Sources: Wikipedia, ChatGPT
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One of the oldest roads in the state, Fort Road was originally built by the federal government after Fort Ridgely was completed in 1853-54. Supplies were shipped from Fort Snelling to Traverse des Sioux, then transported by wagon to Fort Ridgely.
Nicollet County Road 5 runs more than 42 miles from its eastern terminus at its intersection with US Highway 169 in St Peter to the Renville County line. Old Fort Road presumably extended from Traverse des Sioux, although the portion running through the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College has been blocked off. Fort Road as an address runs from the western edge of St Peter to the end of CR-5.
In an ideal world, a paved trail would have been installed when the road was refurbished in the early 2010s. This planned geocache trail will have to suffice, but won’t alleviate my anxiety when biking here.