Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

National Park Service, North Dakota.

Between 1828 and 1867, Fort Union was the most important fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River. Here, the Assiniboine and six other Northern Plains Tribes exchanged buffalo robes and smaller furs for goods from around the world, including cloth, guns, blankets, and beads. A bastion of peaceful coexistence, the post annually traded over 25,000 buffalo robes and $100,000 in merchandise.

Nearby Activities

  • Historic & Cultural Site

Directions

Located on North Dakota Highway 1804 right at the Montana and North Dakota state line. From Williston, ND, approximately 25 miles to the southwest via ND Highways 2 & 1804. From Sidney, MT, approximately 25 miles to the northeast, via MT Highways 200 & 58. Commercial flights and rental cars are available in both Williston, ND and Sidney, MT. Amtrak passenger train service and rental cars are available in Williston, ND.

Additional Information

  • Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site Map
  • Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site Official Website

Photo Gallery

  • Trade House Prepared for GuestsBefore trading began at Fort Union the Trade House's reception room was prepared for feasting. Traditionally a meal was shared between the Upper Missouri Tribes and American Fur Company employees
  • River View of Fort UnionViewing Fort Union Trading Post from the Missouri River bottoms one can imagine how grandiose the site would appear to weary steamboat travelers.
  • Twilight View of the Bourgeois HouseVolunteer reenactors relax on the Bourgeois House porch
  • Fort Union Trading Post CourtyardRanging from employee housing, workshops, storage warehouses, domestic animal pens and horse corrals, the courtyard housed the world at Fort Union.
  • Fort Union and the Missouri River ValleyVisitors hiking the scenic Bodmer Trail experience a historical view of Fort Union, and the same view painted by Karl Bodmer in 1833.

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