Fort Abercrombie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Abercrombie
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Fort Abercrombie in 2007
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 Location in North Dakota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Abercrombie, North Dakota |
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| Built | 1860 |
| Architect | WPA |
| Architectural style | Rustic/Log |
| NRHP reference No. | 08001367 |
| Added to NRHP | January 22, 2009 |
Fort Abercrombie was an important United States Army fort in North Dakota. The U.S. government decided to build it in 1857. It was built on 25 square miles of land near the Red River of the North. Lieutenant Colonel John Joseph Abercrombie chose the exact spot.
Construction began in 1858. It was the first lasting military base in what is now North Dakota. Because of this, it's called "The Gateway to the Dakotas". The first location was too close to the river and often flooded. So, the fort was moved to higher ground in 1860.
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Building Fort Abercrombie
The first Fort Abercrombie was built in 1858. But because of floods, a new fort was built on higher ground in 1860. This new location was just north of the original spot.
Fort Abercrombie was a key place for travel and trade. It protected the Red River Trails. These trails were used by ox carts during the fur trade. The fort also guarded military supply wagons, stagecoach routes, and steamboats on the Red River.
The original fort buildings were either destroyed or sold when the fort closed in 1877. Later, from 1939 to 1940, a project rebuilt three blockhouses and the stockade. They also brought the original military guardhouse back to the site.
More recently, the fort has been updated. A new stockade was built. Native grasses now grow where old buildings once stood. This helps visitors imagine the size and shape of the original fort. A visitor's center was added in 2007.
Today, the site is known as Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site. It has a modern museum and a pavilion in the town of Abercrombie, North Dakota. The fort itself is a short distance east of the town.
The Dakota War of 1862
In 1862, the Dakota (also known as Sioux) people fought against settlers and forts. This conflict is known as the Dakota War of 1862. During this time, the Dakota attacked several places, including Fort Abercrombie. Other targets were Fort Ridgely, New Ulm, Minnesota, and many white settlements.
At Fort Abercrombie, Company D of the 5th Minnesota Infantry Regiment was in charge. Captain John Vander Horck led them. When news of the fighting spread, settlers came to the fort for safety. Captain T. D. Smith, who managed supplies for the fort, helped organize a local defense group.
Attacks on the Fort
In August 1862, the fort faced its first challenges. Nearby settlers came to the fort's stockade for safety. The Dakota people surrounded Fort Abercrombie for almost six weeks. They launched small attacks and sometimes full-scale assaults. The defenders used rifles, shotguns, and howitzers to protect the fort.
One early attack involved the Dakota taking over 300 animals, including all the cattle and horses outside the fort. These animals were meant for a treaty payment to the Red Lake and Pembina Chippewa.
Fort Abercrombie was attacked three times.
- The first attack began on September 3, 1862, and lasted six hours. It ended when more soldiers arrived.
- The second attack happened three days later. A few defenders were killed or wounded. The fort's cannons helped prevent the fort from being taken over.
- After this, the soldiers built stronger defenses using soil and timber.
A long siege followed. It finally ended when a large group of 500 soldiers arrived to help.
Leadership and Casualties
Some people at the fort felt that Captain T. D. Smith deserved praise for his strong leadership. They believed he helped save their lives.
Sadly, some people were killed or wounded during the attacks.
- Killed: Sgt Edward Wright, Corporal James Bennett, Private Joseph Comptois, Ostler Charles W. Soell, Private Augustus Ruchenell.
- Wounded: Private C. P. Lull, Private Edwin M. Wright.
After the War
After the Dakota War, different military groups were stationed at Fort Abercrombie. These included the 9th Minnesota Infantry Regiment and later, Hatch's Minnesota Cavalry Battalion. In 1865, a group of former Confederate prisoners of war, called "Galvanized Yankees," also served at the fort.
Peace Treaty of 1870
On August 14, 1870, a special peace agreement was signed at Fort Abercrombie. This treaty was between the Dakota (Sioux) and Chippewa leaders. A Catholic priest named Father Genin helped make it happen. This treaty successfully ended conflicts between the two tribes that had started again in 1868. Many leaders signed this important agreement.
Images for kids
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Fort Abercrombie in 2007
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte Abercrombie para niños
