History Left A Definite Mark At This One Fascinating Spot In North Dakota
North Dakota is surging with history around every corner. Historic sites are easy to find and other small yet significant parts of history have been discovered here many times. There are many ways to explore and experience these pieces of the past, including this fascinating spot. Located on the very western edge of the state, when you visit this place you can easily tell that history has left a definite mark here. Keep reading to find out more.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Situated on the Missouri River near Williston, ND, is a historic site that will take you right back in time long before North Dakota was ever a state.
The Fort Union Trading Post was one of the most important trading posts in the country at the time it was built - even named the "Grandest Fort on the Upper Missouri."
Along with being historically significant in its time, it was even one of the very first sites in America registered as a National Historic Landmark. Today, you can visit it yourself.
During its time as a trading post, Fort Union was a place of peaceful coexistence between the settlers and the seven Northern Plains Indian tribes in the area, all of which traded here. At its peak, thousands of buffalo hides were traded for over $100,000 of merchandise (such as cloth and guns) among the people here.
When visiting the fort today you can explore the intact and partially reconstructed buildings and learn about the kind of people that went through here and the roles they played in shaping history.
All the artifacts are carefully preserved and displayed and Fort Union is even host to some of the best historical reenactments in North Dakota that you can witness yourself.
Fort Union Trading Post is located at 15550 Highway 1804, Williston, ND 58801. It is entirely free to visit for everyone and is open year round, every day of the week. For more information, click here.
This is one of a handful of preserved and reconstructed forts and historic sites in North Dakota. With such an interesting and diverse history, there are many other places you can visit that are well worth the trip. Read about them by clicking here!
Leah moved to North Dakota when she was 12 years old and has traveled from the Red River Valley to the badlands and many places in between. She loves small-town life and currently enjoys living on a small farm in the ND prairie. She's always had a passion for writing and has participated in novel writing challenges such as NaNoWriMo multiple times. Her favorite part about this job is recognizing small businesses that deserve a boost and seeing the positive affect her articles can have on their traffic, especially in rural areas that might have otherwise gone overlooked.
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