Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Fort Union Trading Post is a reconstructed trading station at the North Dakota-Montana border near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. The site includes palisade walls, period buildings, and a visitor center.

The trading post was founded in 1828 and became the primary center for the American Fur Company on the Upper Missouri. It operated until 1867, when it was eventually abandoned and later destroyed.

Native American tribes including the Assiniboine, Crow, and Blackfeet came here to trade buffalo hides and furs for European goods. This exchange shaped how different cultures interacted at this location.

Visitors can explore the grounds freely during daylight hours without requiring tickets. Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for changing weather, as the site is open and exposed to the elements.

The reconstruction relies on archaeological excavations and detailed drawings made by Swiss artist Rudolf Kurz in 1851. These historical records made it possible to rebuild the buildings and grounds as they originally appeared.

Location: McKenzie County

Location: Williams County

Location: Richland County

Location: Roosevelt County

Inception: June 20, 1966

Website: https://nps.gov/fous

GPS coordinates: 47.99944,-104.04056

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02