In early 1864 settlers in Ottawa County, Kansas, began building Fort Solomon and completed it by the spring or summer.
It was built on level ground and the west side was bordered by a deeply cut bank along the river.
While the fort was being constructed, the Solomon Valley Militia was organized, attracting about thirty men.
[2] From summer 1864 to spring 1865 most of the area's settlers lived inside the fort.
The town of Lindsey, Kansas, grew just outside Fort Solomon, taking advantage of the protection provided by it.