According to this despatch, the Simcoe Valley housed Colonel Steptoe's headquarters.1 It is likely that these “headquarters” were Fort Simcoe which was located in this
valley. The Simcoe Valley is located in Washington State, United States and it was
recorded by Colonel George Wright that this was the traditional territory of the “Klikitats.”2 The name Simcoe is from the Indigenous sim-ku-ee meaning saddle hill. The Yakama peoples used it as a geographic place name to designate a very evident saddle-like dip in a ridge north
of the site.3
Fort Simcoe was located approximately 61 kilometers southwest of a city called Yakima
(established before the current city of Yakima) and was built on the southern boundary
of the Simcoe Valley. The proximity to the valley was important for the Fort's establishment
as it was close to where the Indigenous groups camped during the winter months. Therefore,
the oak-studded region between Simcoe and Toppenish creeks produced the best area to set up a fort to do trade.4
The Fort was located 106 kilometers from Fort Dalles. In September 1856, a wagon road was constructed in order to connect the two forts together -- making
the journey through the valley more passable. Although, the weather in the valley
was said to be better than that farther north.5
Today, Fort Simcoe is one of the few remaining pre-Civil War forts even though it
operated for only three years. It now serves as a museum.6