Fort C.F. Smith, Montana
Nestled amidst the vast, rolling landscapes of Montana, the site of Fort C.F. Smith whispers tales of frontier life, military struggle, and the complex relationship between the United States government and the Native American tribes who called this land home. Established in 1866, Fort C.F. Smith stood as a sentinel on the Bozeman Trail, a vital yet controversial route for emigrants seeking new opportunities in the West. This article delves into the history of this pivotal fort, its role in the tumultuous era of westward expansion, and its enduring legacy on the Montana landscape.
The story of Fort C.F. Smith begins with the Bozeman Trail. This trail, blazed by John Bozeman in the early 1860s, offered a shorter route to the Montana gold fields than the traditional Oregon Trail. However, it cut directly through the heart of Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho hunting grounds, provoking fierce resistance from these tribes who viewed it as a violation of their treaty rights and a threat to their way of life. The U.S. government, determined to protect the flow of settlers and assert its control over the territory, authorized the construction of a series of forts along the trail, including Fort C.F. Smith.
On August 12, 1866, Fort C.F. Smith was officially established on a strategic bluff overlooking the Big Horn River. The location was carefully chosen for its commanding view of the surrounding terrain, allowing for early detection of approaching threats. Constructed primarily of logs and adobe, the fort formed a stockade approximately 125 yards square. This design offered a strong defensive position, providing a secure haven for soldiers and travelers alike. A prominent lookout tower stood within the fort’s walls, enabling vigilant watchmen to scan the horizon for miles, offering crucial early warning of potential attacks.
The fort was initially manned by soldiers of the 27th Infantry, under the command of Brevet Lieutenant N.C. Kinney. From its inception, Fort C.F. Smith was embroiled in conflict. The soldiers faced constant harassment and siege by the Sioux warriors, particularly those under the leadership of the formidable Red Cloud. These relentless attacks underscored the deep resentment felt by the Native American tribes towards the encroachment of settlers on their lands and the government’s failure to uphold its treaty obligations. Life at Fort C.F. Smith was one of constant vigilance and the ever-present threat of attack.
One of the most significant events associated with Fort C.F. Smith was the Hayfield Fight, which took place on August 1, 1867, just three miles from the fort. A small contingent of 31 soldiers and civilians found themselves facing an overwhelming force of over 700 Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. The soldiers and civilians were working to cut hay to feed the fort’s horses when they were attacked. They quickly formed a defensive perimeter behind a low log corral, using it as a makeshift barricade. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the determined defenders managed to withstand six hours of intense attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the attacking warriors. Finally, relief arrived from Fort C.F. Smith, dispersing the warriors and preventing a complete disaster. The Hayfield Fight stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of the soldiers and civilians who defended the Bozeman Trail forts against overwhelming odds.
However, the era of the Bozeman Trail forts was destined to be short-lived. Mounting pressure from public opinion, growing concerns about the cost of maintaining the forts, and a shift in government policy towards a more conciliatory approach with the Native American tribes led to a dramatic change in course. In the spring of 1868, the United States government agreed to abandon the Bozeman Trail forts and close the trail to further travel as part of the Treaty of Laramie. This landmark treaty recognized the rights of the Sioux to their traditional hunting grounds and promised to provide them with resources and assistance.
The abandonment of the forts commenced that summer. Fort C.F. Smith was the first to be evacuated, followed by Fort Phil Kearny and, finally, Fort Reno in late August. The soldiers marched out, leaving behind empty buildings and a stark reminder of the conflict that had transpired. The closure of the Bozeman Trail marked a significant turning point in the relationship between the U.S. government and the Native American tribes of the Northern Plains, although the peace established by the Treaty of Laramie would prove to be fragile and ultimately unsustainable.
Today, little remains of Fort C.F. Smith. Over time, the elements and the passage of years have taken their toll. The once-imposing stockade has crumbled, leaving behind only low mounds and scattered debris. The site is located on private land, situated on a bluff approximately 500 yards from the Big Horn River. While access is restricted, visitors can often arrange to view the ruins by contacting the Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center, which can provide information and potentially facilitate access.
Midway between the site of the fort and the Big Horn River once lay the post’s burial ground. In 1892, the remains of 17 soldiers and civilians who had been interred there were exhumed and reburied at the Custer Battlefield National Cemetery, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made on the Montana frontier. Two and a half miles south of the fort site, on War Man Creek, lies the location of the Hayfield Fight, a site that continues to evoke the memory of the fierce battle that took place there.
The legacy of Fort C.F. Smith is complex and multifaceted. It represents a period of intense conflict and cultural clash, as well as the struggles of both the U.S. military and the Native American tribes to assert their claims to the land. While the fort itself may be gone, its story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and sacrifices that shaped the American West. The winds that sweep across the Montana plains still whisper tales of soldiers, settlers, and warriors, forever intertwined in the history of Fort C.F. Smith.