Fort Snelling

Fort Snelling is a military fort where the Minnesota River joins the Mississippi, just south of Saint Paul in Minnesota. Thick stone walls surround several two-story buildings made of pale limestone, including barracks, storehouses, and a round tower overlooking both rivers.

The post was established in 1819 as an outpost of the US Army to secure American influence in the upper Mississippi valley. Over the decades it served as a base for western expeditions and played a role in treaties with indigenous peoples of the region.

The name honors Colonel Josiah Snelling, who oversaw construction between 1820 and 1825 using local limestone quarried from the bluffs nearby. Visitors today see restored barracks and a parade ground where soldiers once drilled and trappers exchanged goods.

The site sits about 6 miles (10 km) south of downtown Saint Paul and is accessible via Minnesota State Highway 55. Tours and exhibit rooms are open regularly during summer months, though some buildings may close depending on weather conditions.

Within the walls, a small settlement once included enslaved people, even though Minnesota was part of free territory. The resulting legal cases later contributed to national debates about slavery in northern lands.

Location: Fort Snelling

Inception: 1819

Address: 200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN 55111

Phone: +(612)7261171

Website: https://fortsnelling.org

GPS coordinates: 44.89278,-93.18056

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:16