More Montana Forts

Montana, the "Big Sky Country," boasts a rich and complex history, etched into its landscapes by the passage of time and the endeavors of diverse peoples. Among the most tangible remnants of this past are the numerous forts and trading posts that once dotted the territory, serving as hubs for military operations, commerce, and interactions between European Americans and Native American tribes. Beyond the well-known military installations, a tapestry of lesser-known fortifications and outposts played vital roles in shaping Montana’s destiny. This article delves into the stories of some of these More Montana Forts, shedding light on their purpose, location, and often, their brief but significant existence.

Cantonment Wright (1861-1862)

Nestled near the present-day town of Milltown, Montana, Cantonment Wright served as a crucial winter encampment during the ambitious construction of the Mullan Road. In the winter of 1861-1862, Captain John Mullan and his dedicated crew sought shelter here, utilizing the location as a base of operations while they tirelessly worked on forging a path from Fort Benton, Montana, westward to Walla Walla, Washington. This road, a vital artery for trade and military movement, stands as a testament to the arduous labor of these individuals, with Cantonment Wright providing a temporary respite amidst the challenging environment. This is a part of the tales of More Montana Forts.

Fort Browning (1868-1873)

Established at the strategic confluence of Peoples Creek and the Milk River, approximately two miles southwest of Dodson, Montana, Fort Browning held significance as both a military post and a center for Native American affairs. Named in honor of O.H. Browning, the Secretary of the Interior at the time, the fort served as the Indian Agency for the Assiniboine and Upper Sioux tribes. Within its walls, government officials and tribal leaders engaged in negotiations, attempting to navigate the complex and often fraught relationship between the United States and these indigenous peoples. The fort’s lifespan was relatively short, however, as it was abandoned in 1873 when the Assiniboine were relocated to Fort Belknap and the Sioux were moved to Fort Peck, marking a shift in the government’s policies and the dwindling presence of the military in the region. The importance of its short years is also an important part of the stories of More Montana Forts.

Fort Cass (1832-1835)

Also recognized as Tulloch’s Fort, Fort Cass functioned as a sub-post of the larger and more prominent Fort Union, situated in present-day North Dakota. Samuel Tulloch, representing the American Fur Company, established this outpost to facilitate trade with the Crow Indians, seeking to capitalize on the lucrative fur trade that dominated the region. Strategically positioned three miles downstream from the mouth of the Big Horn River, on the eastern bank of the Yellowstone River, the fort’s design featured cottonwood pickets enclosing the perimeter, fortified by bastions at each corner. Despite its promising location, Fort Cass was abandoned in 1835 and superseded by Fort Van Buren. Today, no visible remains mark the location of Fort Cass in Treasure County, Montana, but its legacy remains as a testament to the early fur trading endeavors in the area.

Fort Conrad (1875-1878)

Constructed in 1875 by Charles Conrad, Fort Conrad stood on the southern bank of the Marias River, situated above the confluence with the Dry Fork River, approximately 80 miles northwest of Fort Benton. This privately owned fort differed from the military installations, serving as a trading post and a fortified residence. The fort’s layout comprised log cabins connected to form three sides of a square, each measuring 150 feet in length. In 1878, Joseph Kipp acquired Fort Conrad, continuing its role as a vital center for commerce and community in the region.

Fort Copelin (1865)

In 1865, Fort Copelin was erected as a stockade along the Milk River. This fortification had a specific purpose: safeguarding freight that had been delivered by steamboats. Recognizing the vulnerability of these goods, the fort was thoughtfully divided into three distinct sections, each dedicated to housing the merchandise belonging to different freight owners. While its existence was likely brief, Fort Copelin addressed a crucial need for security and protection during a period of active trade and transportation along the Milk River.

Fort Cotton (1842)

Also known as Fort Honore, Fort Cotton was established in 1842 by the Fox, Livingston & Company on a site that would later become Fort Lewis. Named for a partner in the company, the post’s location, determined by a 2015 archaeological survey, is approximately 5 1/2 to 6 miles upriver from Fort Benton, depending on the route taken around the islands, at coordinates 47°47’27"N 110°43’06"W. Like many early trading posts, Fort Cotton had a short existence.

Fort Dauphin (1860-1865)

Louis Dauphin, a Creole trapper, established a trading post at the mouth of the Milk River in 1860. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1865 when he was killed by Sioux Indians near the fort. Fort Dauphin, though short-lived, represents the risks and challenges faced by those who sought to carve out a living in the Montana wilderness.

Fort Fizzle (1877)

Fort Fizzle holds a unique place in Montana history due to its unconventional name and its role in a significant event. Constructed on July 25, 1877, by Captain C.C. Rawn, this temporary barricade was situated approximately five miles above the mouth of Lolo Canyon. Its purpose was to impede the flight of the Nez Perce Indians, who were attempting to escape to Canada. However, the Nez Perce outmaneuvered the troops, bypassing the barricade and continuing their journey. The failure to halt the Nez Perce earned the fortification the ironic nickname "Fort Fizzle," forever etching its name in the annals of Montana history.

Fort Fox & Livingston (1842-1844)

Established in 1842 by Fox, Livingston & Company, this trading post aimed to challenge the dominance of the American Fur Company. Located approximately 11 miles below Fort Benton on the east bank, near Shonkin Creek, it was moved in 1844 to the site of the first Fort Lewis. In May 1845, the American Fur Company bought out the post, solidifying its control over the region’s fur trade.

Fort Galpin (1862)

Charles Larpentuer, representing LaBarge, Harkness & Company, established Fort Galpin in 1862. Named for William and Charles Galpin, partners in the company, the post was located 12 miles above the mouth of the Milk River. Trading posts like Fort Galpin played a crucial role in the economic and social landscape of the frontier, providing essential goods and services to trappers, traders, and Native Americans.

Fort Gilbert (1864-1867)

Situated on the edge of the Fort Buford, North Dakota, Military Reservation, Fort Gilbert was named for Colonel Charles Gilbert, a former commanding officer at Fort Buford. Located on the west bank of the Yellowstone River, it served the Yellowstone Valley. Today, a marker approximately five miles north of Sidney, Montana, on state highway 200 designates the site, commemorating its historical significance.

Fort Hawley (1866)

Louis Rivet of the North West Company established Fort Hawley to trade with the River Crow Indians. Named for A.F. Hawley, a partner in the company, it was located below Fort Benton on the south side of the Missouri River, about 20 miles above the Musselshell River.

Fort Henry (1822-1823)

Named for Andrew Henry, this post stood at the strategic junction of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. Sadly, it was destroyed by Indians just a year after its establishment, highlighting the inherent dangers of frontier life.

Fort Howes (1897)

In 1897, a rock-walled redoubt known as Fort Howes was constructed on a hill above the Howes Ranch south of Ashland. Built as a civil defense measure against a threatened outbreak by the Cheyenne, it consisted of 10×18 foot rock walls with a plank roof.

Fort Jackson (1833-1834)

Francis A. Chardon established Fort Jackson in December 1833 near the mouth of the Poplar River. Named for President Andrew Jackson, the fort was a 50-foot square structure that was abandoned the following year.

Fort LaBarge (1862-1863)

John and Joseph LaBarge, along with James Harkness, established Fort LaBarge to compete with the American Fur Company. Located just upriver from old Fort Campbell, the LaBarge, Harkness & Company went bankrupt in 1863 due to unusually low river levels, which prevented them from delivering contracted goods. The American Fur Company later purchased the fort.

Fort Lewis

In January 1845, Alexander Culbertson, an agent for the American Fur Company, established Fort Lewis on the Missouri River, approximately 18 miles upstream from present-day Fort Benton, to trade with the Blackfeet Indians. Dissatisfied with the location, the tribe prompted Culbertson to move the post to a more accessible spot on the Missouri River a year later. The log buildings were dismantled and floated downstream to the new site, which retained the name Fort Lewis until it was renamed Fort Benton in 1860.

Fort Piegan (1831-1832)

James Kipp established Fort Piegan for the American Fur Company in October 1831. Located near the mouth of the Marias River, it became the first successful trading post among the Blackfeet Indians. The fortress consisted of three large log buildings surrounded by a 25-foot palisade, but it was abandoned in 1832.

Fort Van Buren (1835-1842)

Established in 1835 by Samuel Tulloch for the American Fur Company, Fort Van Buren was named for President Martin Van Buren. Built on the right bank of the Yellowstone River near the mouth of the Tongue River, it operated for several years before Charles Larpenteur burned the post in 1842 before building Fort Alexander. It was thought to have been located near Rosebud, Montana.

Kootenai Post (1808-1811)

The North West Company established this trading post in 1808 near Libby, Montana. It was relocated upstream three years later, near Jennings.

Lewis and Clark Fort (1810)

Also referred to as Three Forks Post, this short-lived trading post was established in April 1810 by Andrew Henry and Pierre Menard. Guided to the Three Forks of the Missouri by John Colter, it was located between the Madison and Jefferson Rivers. The post was surrounded by a 200-foot square stockade and abandoned in the fall of 1810 due to Indian harassment.

Saleesh House (1809-1824)

Established in 1809 by David Thompson for the Northwest Company, this trading post was located two miles east of Thompson Falls, on the Clark Fork River just below its junction with the Thompson River. In 1824, it was moved to a site near Eddy, Montana, renamed Flathead Post, and operated by James McMillan and Ross Cox.

The tales of More Montana Forts is a reminder of Montana’s diverse and multifaceted past. These often-overlooked sites provide valuable insights into the interactions between different cultures, the dynamics of trade, and the challenges of settling a vast and unforgiving landscape. While many of these forts have faded into the landscape, their stories remain, contributing to the rich tapestry of Montana’s heritage.