What function did Fort Wingate serve during the Long Walk?

Fort Wingate served as a significant starting point for the journey during the Long Walk, which refers to the forced relocation of the Navajo people in the 1860s. It was at this military outpost where the Navajos were initially gathered before being marched to their new designated lands, far away from their ancestral homes. This location facilitated the movement by providing a central point where troops could manage and oversee the transfer of the displaced population.

In the context of the Long Walk, Fort Wingate played a pivotal role in the logistics of the event, marking the commencement of a tragic chapter in Navajo history. It was not mainly a place of refuge, as the forced relocation was a painful process with dire consequences for the Navajo people. While it may have served some administrative functions, it lacked the characteristics of a true combat training ground or a meeting place for leaders during this specific historical event. Therefore, recognizing Fort Wingate as a starting point underscores its importance in the narrative of the Long Walk.