What unique challenges did soldiers on the frontier face in the 1840s? Objective Students will be able to write an imaginary letter describing what life was like at a frontier fort in the 1840’s. Background When Fort Scott was built in the 1840s, America was a young nation that barely stretched across the Mississippi River. Native Americans were being forced to relocate west of the Mississippi River, which brought them into conflict with more aggressive tribes already living on the Great Plains. Most of the lands west of the Mississippi River were either controlled by Mexico or were set up to Duration: 60 Minutes.