Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Gingras House and Trading Post
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 Location in North Dakota
Location in the United States
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| Location | NE of Walhalla off ND 32 |
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| Nearest city | Walhalla, North Dakota |
| Built | 1845 |
| Architect | Antoine Blanc Gingras |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001305 |
| Added to NRHP | May 21, 1975 |
The Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site is a special place in North Dakota. It's a historic site, which means it helps us learn about the past. This site is near Walhalla, North Dakota. It shows us the old trading post and home of a very important person named Antoine Blanc Gingras. He was a fur trader and a leader for the Métis.
Antoine Gingras: Trader and Leader
Antoine Gingras was born in 1821. His family lived in a place called Red River Colony. His father was a voyageur (a fur trader who traveled a lot). Antoine started his own career as a hunter and trapper.
In the 1840s, Antoine built a two-story trading post. It was made of logs. He also built a house with wooden siding. By 1861, Antoine was very successful. He owned many trading posts. These posts were in the Dakota Territory and parts of Southern Manitoba.
Antoine was also a leader. In 1851, he was chosen to represent his area. He served in the Minnesota Territorial House of Representatives. This was like being a lawmaker for the region. He worked there from 1852 to 1853.
Antoine Gingras was also involved in important events. He was part of the 1869 Red River Rebellion. This was a time when the Métis fought for their rights. When the city of Winnipeg officially became a city in 1873, Antoine was there. He passed away on September 26, 1877, in Walhalla, North Dakota.
Visiting the Site Today
The Gingras Trading Post is a very important historical place. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized for its special history. The North Dakota State Historical Society takes care of the site.
When you visit, you can see the original buildings. There are also exhibits to explore. These exhibits teach you about Antoine Blanc Gingras. You can also learn about Métis culture. They also show what the fur trade was like in the Red River Valley. There is even a copy of the old Gingras Store.
See also
- Métis
- List of the oldest buildings in North Dakota
