Reed’s Fort, Montana
Nestled in the heart of central Montana, near the present-day city of Lewistown, lies a site steeped in frontier history: Reed’s Fort. This unassuming location, once a bustling hub of trade and interaction between settlers and Native Americans, offers a glimpse into the rugged realities of life on the American frontier in the late 19th century. Established in November 1874 by Alonzo S. Reed and John Bowles, this trading post arose to serve the burgeoning traffic along the Carroll Trail, a vital artery connecting Helena with Crow Island at the confluence of the Musselshell River.
The genesis of Reed’s Fort was purely pragmatic, driven by the allure of commerce. The Carroll Trail, a well-trodden path for prospectors, traders, and settlers, presented a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs. Reed and Bowles recognized the need for a reliable supply point along this route, a place where travelers could rest, resupply, and conduct business. Strategically situated on lower Spring Creek, the Reed and Bowles Trading Post quickly became a vital lifeline, functioning as the sole stage stop for an impressive 150-mile stretch between Carroll and Martinsdale.
Alonzo S. Reed, the more prominent figure in this partnership, carried with him a rather colorful past. Known as "Major," though his actual military service remains dubious, Reed had previously served a brief stint as an Indian agent at the Milk River Agency in 1870. However, his tenure was cut short due to allegations of serious misconduct. Accusations ranged from illicitly trading alcohol and firearms to stealing government property, falsifying records, and even involvement in the death of an Assiniboine individual. Despite these grave allegations, Reed was never formally charged, allowing him to later embark on his venture with John Bowles. The past misdeeds would haunt Reed’s Fort in the future.
The reputation of the Reed and Bowles Trading Post quickly became notorious. The partners were known for their volatile tempers and willingness to resort to gunfire to resolve disputes. This reputation, while unsavory, did little to deter business. As the only establishment of its kind in the region, the trading post held a virtual monopoly, forcing travelers, traders, and hunters to rely on Reed and Bowles for essential supplies, regardless of their questionable ethics.
A significant portion of the post’s revenue came from trade with Native Americans, particularly through the sale of low-grade liquor. This practice, though explicitly outlawed by the federal government, flourished due to the trading post’s remote location, far beyond the reach of law enforcement. Reed and Bowles exploited this loophole, prioritizing profit over ethical considerations, and contributing to the complex and often exploitative relationship between settlers and indigenous populations. The infamous reputation of Reed’s Fort was in large part due to these illegal activities.
As the region began to attract more settlers, culminating in the establishment of Lewistown in 1880, Reed adapted to the changing landscape. He acquired new land and established another trading post closer to the burgeoning population center. This marked a shift in focus, from primarily serving travelers and trading with Native Americans to catering to the needs of the growing settler community. Soon, two settlements emerged: Reedsfort, founded by Reed himself, and Fort Janeaux, established a mere half-mile away by Francis Janeaux, a popular trader among the Métis people who had settled in the area.
The proximity of these two trading posts inevitably led to intense rivalry. Janeaux, with his popularity and established connections, posed a significant threat to Reed’s business. The competition for the trade of the area’s residents, numbering less than 100 at the time, became fierce. Despite the competition, Reed managed to secure the establishment of the first post office in 1881, officially named "Reedsfort," further solidifying his influence in the community.
However, Reed’s tenure as postmaster was not without its challenges. Dr. L.A. Lapalme, a friend of Janeaux and dissatisfied with the mail service, launched a campaign to oust Reed. He accused Reed of neglecting his duties and engaging in "irregularities." The primary complaint centered around the haphazard mail sorting system employed by Reed’s partner, John Bowles. Residents were forced to sift through a pile of unsorted mail on the floor to find their own letters, a practice that was both inefficient and frustrating.
David Hilger, a resident who signed Lapalme’s petition, recounted a tense encounter with Reed. Hilger described Reed as "one angry postmaster" upon discovering his involvement in the petition. Fearing for his safety, Hilger managed to convince Reed that he had signed the petition without fully understanding its contents, narrowly avoiding potential harm. The post office served a wide geographical area, encompassing Fort Maginnis, Judith Gap, and Philbrook. During the harsh winter of 1881-1882, mail delivery was infrequent, occurring only three times, further fueling discontent among residents.
Whether due to the pressure from Lapalme’s petition or his own disillusionment, Reed ultimately sold his holdings to Frank Day in 1882, who then assumed the role of postmaster. The following year, the post office’s name was officially changed to Lewistown, marking a significant transition in the area’s identity. By 1890, the original Reed’s Fort building had become part of the county’s poor farm property, a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of fortune on the frontier.
Despite its eventual decline, the legacy of Reed’s Fort endures. Recognizing its historical significance, the residents of Lewistown rallied to preserve the old post office/trading post. Today, it stands proudly in its original location, within a park situated below the mouth of Casino Creek in Lewistown. This carefully preserved structure serves as a tangible link to the past, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the pioneers who shaped the region.
The preservation of Reed’s Fort is a testament to the enduring power of local history and the importance of preserving tangible links to the past. This humble trading post, once a center of commerce, controversy, and conflict, now stands as a symbol of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of the American frontier. The preserved structure allows visitors to connect with the past and reflect on the complex history of settlement, trade, and interaction between different cultures in this region of Montana. It is a reminder of the challenges and opportunities faced by those who sought to build a life in the rugged landscape of the American West.