Ed L.
Yelp
One of the other sightseeing detours I've done on this recent trip to Billings, MT in September 2017 was that of the Fort Boufort state historical site.
I saw the signage while on I-94 and thought that it may be a good thing to see it. It was a cold and rainy Friday afternoon when I was driving back to Billings, MT from Williston, ND and decided to make a short stop. I had already visited Fort Union trading post earlier, so I was like - why not? I'm already here. Only problem was that I had to drive back over state lines to North Dakota. I wasn't sure if it was the weather that made it seem like the tourist attraction was deserted, but I arrived here around 2:30pm on a cold rainy Friday. The fort itself is a series of a few buildings that had survived through the ages - with the modern improvements. It is pretty cool to see this in person and to see how the Us Government forces lived amongst the Native Americans and others in the 19th century. The fort itself was basically a sanctuary from the harsh realities along the Missouri River. Only problem was the fierce Native American tribes, that may or may not trust the white settlers or the government, stood in their way. I've learned a lot by visiting Fort Buford, which was basically the military detachment of us government Calvary assigned to protect those white settlers from the hostile native Americans & to make money by trading.
The overall experience here at the Fort Bufort state historical site was very educational, quaint, and definitely rewarding. From the stuff you study in school, you can see history come alive when you visit a historical site, such as this one at Fort Bufort. You get a sense of how these people lived, against the elements and against hostile native Americans. As it was a cold rainy day in September, nobody was around on the grounds, so I wasn't sure if it was closed or not. Unfortunately for me, the site was closed for the winter already, - even in mid September! They open from Memorial Day to Labor Day every year and I was basically 2 weeks short. This Fort Union trading post is located off I-94. Follow the signage to exit and follow the road. You will see it when driving in. Follow the road to the parking area, where you would need to walk a few to the foot of the fort itself.
The best part of the experience was that there is no admission fee accessed. They will gladly accept donations, but Fort Bufort state historic site is free, for the most part. With a collection of 4 buildings on the property, the surviving buildings of Fort Bufort seems to be a preservation of historical buildings for the public to enjoy and remember what happened here so long ago. The main parking area is small, with maybe 5-6 stalls. For me though, it was nice to relive the history that surrounds the Fort and to see how these brave Americans risk their lives for the betterment of the country. The fort itself was constructed after Fort Union trading post had outlived its useful life and it provided a base of operations for the United States government military forces to defend itself from the wild frontier. Fort Bufort was built at the western edge of North Dakota, with Fort Union co existing at the present day Montana / North Dakota state line. History comes alive here at Fort Bufort state historic site. It may not seem like much though, but if you are interested in the history of the area, you would be in for a treat. It is always interested in how the native Americans and the white Americans had gone from trading peacefully to outright war, with many groups.
For myself though, it would have been good to have a nice tour guide, had it been officially opened that day I was there. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. During my time there, I spent about an hour walking around the property and taking in the history and remembering how Fort Bufort contributed to the young country's growth. If you are nearby and want to experience this place, come on over. While it is out of the way, it is a good rest stop option. 5.0 stars.
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