Fort Henry (North Dakota) facts for kids

Fort Henry was an important outpost built a long time ago for the fur trade. It was located where the Yellowstone River meets the Missouri River. This fort was set up on October 1, 1822, by a group of explorers led by a man named Major Andrew Henry. Their goal was to create a trading post for furs in a huge area that today includes much of Montana, western North Dakota, parts of Wyoming, and even some of Canada.

Fort Henry: A Trading Post in the Wild West

What Was Fort Henry?

Fort Henry was like a small village or camp where people could trade animal furs. These furs were very valuable back then. People would hunt animals like beavers and then trade their furs for supplies. The fort was built to help with this important business. It was a place where traders and trappers could meet, store their goods, and prepare for their journeys.

Where Was This Fort Henry Located?

The Fort Henry built in 1822 was in a wild and beautiful area. It was near where the Yellowstone River flows into the Missouri River. Today, this spot is about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of a town called Williston, North Dakota. It's also very close to the border between Montana and North Dakota. This fort didn't last long; it was left empty in 1823, just one year after it was built.

Other Forts Named Fort Henry

Major Andrew Henry actually built other forts with the same name even earlier! These forts were also important for the fur trade, but they didn't last very long either.

The First Fort Henry in Montana

In the spring of 1810, Major Henry and his team built what is considered the very first Fort Henry. This fort was located in Montana, near a place called the Three Forks of the Missouri River. This is where three different rivers come together to form the Missouri. However, this fort was also abandoned soon after it was built.

Another Fort Henry in Idaho

Later that same year, in the fall of 1810, another Fort Henry was built. This one was in what is now southeastern Idaho. It was located on a river called Henry's Fork, which flows into the Snake River. This fort was used for a short time but was also abandoned in 1811.

These forts show how important the fur trade was in the early 1800s. They were temporary homes and trading spots for brave explorers and traders in the American West.