Deeply rooted in the history of the American West, Fort David A. Russell, famously known today as F.E. Warren Air Force Base, stands as a testament to the nation’s evolving military strategy. Established in 1867, this pivotal installation near Cheyenne, Wyoming, began its storied existence named in honor of David Allen Russell, a distinguished Civil War general who tragically fell at the Battle of Opequon in Virginia.
The fort’s inception was closely tied to the expansion of the transcontinental railroad, a critical artery of westward development. When the railroad selected Crow Creek Crossing, the future site of Cheyenne, Wyoming, as its mountain region headquarters, the U.S. Cavalry shifted its temporary operations from Cheyenne three miles west. This move in July 1867 marked the official birth of Fort Russell, a post destined to play a crucial role in securing the frontier and supporting national defense for over a century and a half.
The Early Years: Frontier Defense and Cavalry Power
In its initial years, Fort Russell served as a vital bulwark for American expansion, protecting railroad construction crews, settlers, and trade routes from potential conflicts and ensuring order in the rugged frontier territories. Its strategic placement was undeniable, leading to its designation as a permanent military post in 1884. This decision catalyzed significant investment, as the War Department ordered a substantial rebuilding effort the following year to accommodate eight infantry companies.
The transformation was dramatic. Troops diligently constructed 27 robust red brick buildings, replacing the earlier, more temporary wood-frame structures. By the turn of the 20th century, Fort D. A. Russell had burgeoned into one of the most formidable and extensive cavalry bases in the entire United States. The early 1900s witnessed further expansions, solidifying its status as a premier military installation crucial for projecting American power and training its cavalry forces. The cavalry units stationed here were integral to maintaining peace and order across the vast expanses of the West, participating in various expeditions and securing national interests.
From Cavalry to Airpower: A New Era Dawns
The dawn of the 20th century brought rapid advancements in military technology, and Fort Russell was quick to adapt. In 1919, an airfield at the post became active, heralding a new chapter in its history. This airfield swiftly grew in importance, eventually serving as the home base for more than 100 military aircraft, underscoring the shift from horse-mounted warfare to aerial reconnaissance and combat. This evolution mirrored the broader changes occurring within the U.S. military as air power began to assert its dominance.
By 1927, the last of the fort’s storied cavalry units were deactivated, marking the end of an era defined by horses and sabers. Just three years later, in 1930, the base underwent a significant renaming, becoming Fort Francis E. Warren. This honor paid tribute to Francis E. Warren, a Medal of Honor recipient who had also served as Wyoming’s Governor, reflecting his profound contributions to both military service and the state. The renaming was not merely symbolic; it coincided with a period of modernization and re-evaluation of the base’s role in national defense.
World War II and the Cold War: Strategic Importance Elevated
During World War II, Fort Francis E. Warren played a critical role in the war effort, serving as an essential training facility for the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps. Thousands of soldiers passed through its gates, receiving vital training in logistics and supply that was indispensable for supporting American forces across multiple theaters of war. The base also housed a prisoner-of-war camp, a common feature of many large military installations during the conflict, further demonstrating its capacity and versatility.
The post-war era brought another profound transformation. In 1949, the base was officially re-designated Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, reflecting its complete transition to an airpower-centric installation. This change positioned it at the forefront of America’s emerging air defense strategy. Its strategic importance skyrocketed during the Cold War, particularly in 1958, when it became an integral part of the newly formed Strategic Air Command (SAC). SAC was the United States Air Force’s arm for strategic bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile operations, making F.E. Warren a critical component of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.
By 1963, F.E. Warren Air Force Base became the headquarters for the 90th Strategic Missile Wing, a unit responsible for maintaining and operating intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). This role cemented its status as a vital national security asset, literally holding the front line of defense during the intense geopolitical tensions of the Cold War. In a further consolidation of strategic operations, the Twentieth Air Force relocated its headquarters to Fort Warren in October 1993, enhancing the base’s command and control capabilities for the nation’s ICBM forces.
A Legacy of Leadership and Enduring Significance
Throughout its illustrious history, Fort Russell, and later F.E. Warren Air Force Base, has been home to an impressive roster of influential American military leaders. Giants such as Carl Spaatz, a pioneering figure in airpower; Black Jack Pershing, the esteemed commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I; Billy Mitchell, a staunch advocate for military airpower; Walter Reed, the renowned army physician who conquered yellow fever; and Mark Clark, a prominent general in World War II, all served at this remarkable installation. Their presence underscores the fort’s long-standing importance in shaping American military leadership and doctrine.
Recognizing its profound historical and architectural significance, Fort Francis E. Warren is a designated National Historic Landmark. Today, the active air force base, situated just west of Cheyenne, Wyoming, continues its vital mission for national defense, serving as a cornerstone for America’s strategic forces. It also proudly offers a museum, providing visitors with an invaluable opportunity to explore its rich past, understand its pivotal role in American military history, and appreciate its enduring legacy. From its origins as a frontier cavalry post to its modern role as a strategic air force base, the evolution of this installation mirrors the very trajectory of the United States as a global power.
