A Ghostly Soldier Wanders Around Fort Douglas In Utah
If you’re looking for spots around Utah that are supposedly haunted, you might want to make a trip to Fort Douglas. Located near the University of Utah, the fort has been around since the Civil War – and some say that its ghosts date back from that time period, too.
Fort Douglas was established right in the middle of the Civil War, in October, 1862. Its purpose was to keep the mail route and telegraph lines safe through the Utah Territory.
Though the soldiers here didn't fight on Civil War battlefields, they still fought in several conflicts with Native Americans, including the Battle of Bear River. That battle left 21 soldiers dead and 46 wounded; hundreds of Shoshone men, women and children were killed, and more than a hundred were taken captive.
Desertion and suicide were common back in those early days. Several murders took place at the fort, too.
On August 1, 1899 First Sergeant John Jackson was murdered by another soldier. John had ordered Private William Carter to groom his horse. Private Carter, a hothead with a short temper, pulled out his gun and shot the Sergeant instead.
First Sergeant Jackson was given the nickname "Clem" years ago by a troop of Boy Scouts who saw him, and the nickname stuck.
People who've seen Clem say that he's a short, stocky man with a full beard. He's wearing a Civil War-era uniform, and he shows up in spots all around the fort.
Clem enjoys hanging out at the Fort Douglas Military Museum. Volunteers and employees there say they have caught glimpses of him, and often hear noises that are attributed to his wanderings.
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
