In an effort to protect its Minnesota territory from British encroachment and Native American threats following the War of 1812, Camp Coldwater was established between 1820 and 1824 near the site of the future fort. In 1825, construction of Fort Snelling was completed, taking its name from Colonel Josiah Snelling. Snelling was known for heavy drinking and dysentery, of which he died from complications in 1827.