Fort Fizzle, Military barricade site in Lolo, Montana, United States
Fort Fizzle is a fortified site along Lolo Creek where wooden structures and interpretive markers document the military defenses once built here. The grounds show how the barricade was positioned and what soldiers were trying to accomplish with this construction.
The site was established in 1877 when an army officer built fortifications to stop a traveling group of people from passing through. The situation did not unfold as planned when the group found an alternative route and bypassed the defenses entirely.
The site tells the story of how the Nez Perce demonstrated their ability to navigate challenging situations with skill and resolve. Visitors can see how this moment shaped the region's history and reveals the tension between military force and Indigenous determination.
The site is accessible during certain seasons and offers basic facilities such as restrooms and picnic tables. There are also fishing opportunities along the creek, and the grounds are easy to navigate for visitors.
The grounds got their name after the group simply walked around the wooden fortifications by climbing steep ridges. This surprising outcome shows how carefully planned military defenses can be overcome through unexpected solutions.
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