Fort Stevenson, North Dakota
Nestled in the vast, rolling plains of North Dakota, Fort Stevenson stands as a testament to a bygone era, a time when the United States Army sought to establish control over the sprawling territories of the American West. Founded in June 1867, this military outpost played a crucial role in securing the frontier, safeguarding vital transportation routes, and maintaining peace between settlers and Native American tribes. The story of Fort Stevenson is one of hardship, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who braved the harsh conditions of the northern plains.
The establishment of Fort Stevenson was directly linked to the growing need for logistical support for other military installations further inland, most notably Fort Totten. As the nation expanded westward, maintaining a steady supply line became paramount. Major Joseph N.G. Whistler, leading a contingent of troops reassigned from Fort Berthold, spearheaded the construction of the new fort. This strategic location, situated along the Missouri River, was carefully chosen for its accessibility and its potential to serve as a vital supply depot.
The fort was christened in honor of Brigadier General Thomas G. Stevenson, a Union officer who distinguished himself during the Civil War. Stevenson’s sacrifice and dedication to the Union cause were deemed worthy of commemoration, and naming the fort after him served as a tribute to his service. The primary objectives of Fort Stevenson were multifaceted. First and foremost, it was intended to serve as a secure supply base for Fort Totten, ensuring that troops stationed there had access to essential provisions, ammunition, and equipment. Secondly, the fort was tasked with protecting the vessels that traversed the Missouri River, a crucial artery for trade and transportation in the region. The Missouri was vulnerable to attacks, and the presence of the fort was meant to deter hostile actions and ensure the safe passage of river traffic.
Life at Fort Stevenson was far from easy. The soldiers stationed there faced a myriad of challenges, ranging from the constant threat of skirmishes to the unforgiving climate of the northern plains. While the fort itself was never subjected to a direct, large-scale assault, encounters with Native American tribes were not uncommon. These skirmishes, though often small in scale, kept the troops on constant alert and underscored the inherent dangers of frontier life. However, the most formidable adversary faced by the soldiers was not hostile action, but the brutal North Dakota winters. Temperatures frequently plummeted to 40 degrees below zero, creating conditions that tested the limits of human endurance. Frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related ailments were a constant threat, and simply surviving the winter months required immense fortitude and resilience.
The physical layout of Fort Stevenson reflected its purpose as a functional military outpost. The fort’s architecture was primarily utilitarian, designed for efficiency and defense rather than aesthetic appeal. The main structures were constructed from locally sourced materials, including timber and sod. The buildings were arranged around a central parade ground, creating a fortified enclosure that could be easily defended in the event of an attack. Key features of the fort included barracks for the soldiers, officers’ quarters, a hospital, a commissary, a guardhouse, and stables for the horses. These buildings were essential for maintaining the day-to-day operations of the fort and providing for the needs of its garrison.
Beyond its military function, Fort Stevenson also served as a hub for interaction between the army and the local Native American tribes. While relations were often strained, due to the encroachment of settlers onto tribal lands, there were also instances of trade and diplomacy. The fort provided a marketplace where Native Americans could exchange goods and services with the soldiers and settlers. This interaction, though often fraught with tension, played a role in shaping the complex dynamics of the frontier.
By the early 1880s, the need for Fort Stevenson had diminished. The westward expansion of the railroad had reduced the reliance on the Missouri River for transportation, and the pacification of the Native American tribes had lessened the threat of conflict in the region. In the summer of 1883, the decision was made to abandon the fort. The buildings were dismantled, and the troops were transferred to Fort Buford, another military outpost further west. With the departure of the soldiers, Fort Stevenson ceased to exist as a functioning military installation.
Tragically, the story of Fort Stevenson does not end with its abandonment. Today, the site of the original fort lies beneath the waters of Lake Sakakawea, a vast reservoir created by the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River. The construction of the dam in the 1950s resulted in the flooding of a significant portion of the surrounding area, including the location of the fort. While the physical remains of Fort Stevenson are now submerged, its legacy endures.
Efforts have been made to preserve the memory of Fort Stevenson. A replica guardhouse stands near the lake, offering visitors a glimpse into the fort’s past. The interpretive center provides exhibits and displays that tell the story of the fort, its inhabitants, and its role in the history of the American West. While the original fort may be lost to the waters of Lake Sakakawea, its story continues to be told, ensuring that the sacrifices and contributions of those who served there are not forgotten. Fort Stevenson, though physically gone, remains a powerful symbol of the frontier era and the enduring spirit of the American West.