A William Henry Jackson photograph of Fort Arnett in Red Cliff. Taken around 1880. There are seventeen individuals standing on the rock formation. The American flag is seen flying above the individuals.
"After the Meeker Massacre in 1879 the citizens of Red Cliff fearing that the Indians might make further attacks on white settlements decided to build a fort for the protection against the Indians. It was reported that soon after the Meeker Massacre, Chief Colorow commanding a band of renegade Utes were ravaging up the Eagle River. G.J. DaLee was stationed on Horn Silver Mountain as a look out, to give alarm if the Indians were sighted. The Indians were seen several times not far away but never made an attack. What is still standing of the old fort is a natural cliff on the Banks of the Eagle River. Being located on a high point in the center of the town, the citizens decided this the most advantageous spot to build a fort. The building was supervised by a Mr. Arnett, a miner of Red Cliff. This fort was built up about twice as high as it is now, the center was left hallow [sic.], and holes left between the rocks through which to shoot and it was covered with logs. From this fort one can get a plain view of all the surrounding mountains. Soon after the Meeker Massacre, the Utes were moved to reservations in Utah. All that remains of the old fort today is the natural cliff, the built up fort having all fallen off. It is a land mark of historic interest to the people of Red Cliff and the town has erected a flag pole on its summit and a United States flag is displayed at all times." -- History of Eagle County, p.33
