Fort Buford, Military historic district in North Dakota, United States
Fort Buford is a preserved military post located where the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers meet, featuring original stone and brick structures from its operational years. The site includes a powder magazine, officers' quarters, and other buildings that outline the fort's physical layout and purpose.
The post was established in 1866 to secure military control of the frontier and serve as a supply hub for regional operations. It remained active until 1895, playing a key role during the period of frontier consolidation and military-Native American relations.
The site represents a pivotal moment in relations between the military and Native Americans, where the Hunkpapa Sioux leader Sitting Bull made his final stand. Visitors can sense the weight of this encounter when walking through the remaining structures.
The site sits roughly 35 kilometers southwest of Williston and can be reached via two highways in the area. The grounds are open seasonally, so plan your visit for the warmer months when access is available.
The stone powder magazine still standing on the grounds was built in 1866 and remains one of the few structures to survive over 150 years of frontier weather. This sturdy building reveals the construction methods used for frontier military installations of that era.
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