Fort Stevenson facts for kids

Fort Stevenson was an important military fort in the 1800s. It was located in what is now North Dakota, but back then it was called Dakota Territory. This fort was named after Thomas G. Stevenson, a general who fought in the American Civil War. He died during the Battle of Spotsylvania.

The fort was built in 1867 and used by soldiers until 1883. Life at Fort Stevenson was often written about by Régis de Trobriand, who was the fort's commander. He wrote about how the soldiers interacted with different Native American tribes. These included the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes. He also described conflicts these tribes had with another group, the Sioux.

What Was Fort Stevenson?

Fort Stevenson was a frontier outpost. It helped keep peace and protect settlers in the growing American West. Soldiers lived and worked there, carrying out their duties far from big cities.

Why Was the Fort Built?

The fort was established to support military operations. It also helped protect trade routes and new settlements. It played a role in the expansion of the United States.

Life for Soldiers at the Fort

Daily life for soldiers at Fort Stevenson was challenging. They lived in barracks and followed a strict routine. Their duties included patrols, training, and maintaining the fort. They also interacted with local Native American tribes.

Interactions with Native American Tribes

The fort's commander, Régis de Trobriand, wrote about the relationships between the soldiers and local tribes. He described meetings with the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people. He also noted the ongoing conflicts between these tribes and the Sioux.

The Fort's End and Legacy

Fort Stevenson was no longer needed by 1883. All its buildings and land were sold off. This marked the end of its time as a military base.

What Happened to the Land?

In 1901, a group of businessmen bought the land. They first thought about growing sugar beets there. However, they changed their plans and sold most of the land to nearby landowners. Some buildings stayed on the site until the 1940s.

Fort Stevenson Under Water

In the late 1950s, the area where Fort Stevenson stood was flooded. This happened when the Garrison Reservoir was created. This reservoir was later renamed Lake Sakakawea. Today, the original site of the fort is about 120 feet under the lake's water. The fort was located about nine miles southwest of the city of Garrison, North Dakota.

Fort Stevenson State Park Today

Even though the original fort is gone, its history is remembered. Fort Stevenson State Park was created to honor its past. This park is located on the shores of Lake Sakakawea. It is about four miles from where the old fort used to be.

Visiting the Park and Museum

At the state park, you can find a replica of the fort's guardhouse. This new building was built in 2003. It now serves as a museum and an information center. Visitors can learn all about the original military fort and its history.

Images for kids

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  Northern Plains Overland Trails 1866-1877 map on display at the Fort Totten Historic Site