Fort Rice, North Dakota
Nestled in the heart of North Dakota, along the banks of the Missouri River, lies a site steeped in history and echoing with tales of military expeditions, Native American negotiations, and the rugged life of the American frontier. This is Fort Rice, North Dakota, a place where the past comes alive, even though no original buildings remain standing.
Established in July 1864 by General Alfred H. Sully, Fort Rice, North Dakota served as a crucial military post and field base for the U.S. Army’s summer campaigns in the region. The mid-19th century was a period of intense westward expansion, but this expansion was met with resistance from Native American tribes who considered these lands their ancestral homes. Travel through the area was perilous, with frequent attacks on transportation routes by Native American warriors determined to protect their way of life.
The U.S. Government, recognizing the need to secure both land and river routes for travelers and settlers, tasked General Sully and the 30th Wisconsin Infantry with the construction of Fort Rice, North Dakota. The primary objective was to establish a secure location that would deter attacks and provide a safe haven for those traversing the region. The construction of the fort was a testament to the resourcefulness of the soldiers and the harsh conditions they faced.
The fort’s buildings were primarily constructed using readily available materials from the surrounding landscape. Cottonwood logs, felled from the banks of the nearby Missouri River, formed the main structure of the walls and buildings. For the roofs, the soldiers utilized prairie sod, a readily available and surprisingly effective insulating material. This method of construction, while practical, highlighted the challenges faced by the soldiers in this remote and unforgiving environment.
The initial garrison of the fort, the 30th Wisconsin Infantry, was later replaced by the 1st U.S. Volunteer Infantry. This unit was unique in its composition, comprised largely of Confederate prisoners of war. These men, often referred to as "Galvanized Yankees," had made the difficult decision to enlist in the U.S. Army and serve on the western frontier in exchange for their freedom. Facing the prospect of prolonged imprisonment in Union prison camps, these former Confederate soldiers chose to fight for the very nation they had once opposed. This unusual arrangement speaks volumes about the desperation of the time and the complex motivations of the individuals involved.
Life at the fledgling Fort Rice, North Dakota was exceedingly difficult, particularly during its first year. The soldiers endured harsh weather conditions, including bitterly cold winters and scorching summers. Disease was rampant, and medical care was limited. During the post’s first year, a staggering 81 men perished. Surprisingly, only seven of these deaths were attributed to hostile action, highlighting the significant impact of disease and the unforgiving environment on the health and well-being of the soldiers stationed there.
From 1864 to 1865, Fort Rice, North Dakota served as the primary base of operations for General Sully. From this strategic location, Sully launched a number of military expeditions aimed at quelling Native American resistance and asserting U.S. control over the region. However, the fort’s significance extended beyond its military role. It also became a crucial site for important negotiations with various Native American tribes.
These negotiations ultimately paved the way for the Fort Laramie Treaty, a landmark agreement that sought to establish peace and define the boundaries between Native American lands and the encroaching settlements of the United States. The treaty, signed in 1868, was intended to bring an end to the conflicts that had plagued the region for years, but it ultimately proved to be a fragile and ultimately unsuccessful attempt at lasting peace.
Despite its strategic importance and historical significance, Fort Rice, North Dakota was abandoned in November 1878. The decision to abandon the fort was largely due to the construction of Fort Yates, a new military post located on the Standing Rock Agency. Fort Yates offered a more strategic location for maintaining control over the region and overseeing relations with the local Native American tribes.
Today, no original buildings remain standing at the Fort Rice, North Dakota State Historic Site, located in present-day Morton County, a short distance southeast of the modern town of Fort Rice. Time and the elements have taken their toll, erasing the physical structures that once stood as a symbol of military presence and westward expansion.
However, the legacy of Fort Rice, North Dakota has not been entirely lost. In the 1940s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal program designed to provide employment during the Great Depression, undertook a project to mark the original foundations of many of the fort’s buildings. These markers, along with maps and interpretive displays, provide visitors with a glimpse into the layout and history of the fort.
Visiting the Fort Rice, North Dakota State Historic Site is a journey back in time, an opportunity to reflect on the complex and often turbulent history of the American West. While the physical structures may be gone, the stories of the soldiers, settlers, and Native Americans who once lived and interacted in this place continue to resonate. The site serves as a reminder of the challenges and sacrifices made during a pivotal period in American history, a time of westward expansion, military conflict, and cultural clashes.
The site offers more than just markers in the ground; it provides an opportunity to connect with the land and imagine the bustling activity that once characterized this military outpost. Walking the grounds, one can almost hear the echoes of soldiers drilling, the sounds of construction, and the voices of Native American leaders engaged in crucial negotiations.
Fort Rice, North Dakota stands as a silent witness to a bygone era, a testament to the enduring power of history and the importance of preserving the stories of those who came before us. It is a place where visitors can learn about the complexities of the American West, the challenges of westward expansion, and the enduring legacy of the individuals who shaped this region.