Williston in Williams County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Fort Buford Historic Site

Photographed By Don Morfe, June 9, 1997

1. Fort Buford Historic Site Marker

Inscription. Fort Buford a United States Military Post named in honor of General John Buford of Gettysburg fame was established on this location in the fall of 1866. Preceding it on this site were two trading posts. Fort William erected in 1833 and Fort Mortimer built in 1843. Being of strategic importance at the focal point of steamboat traffic to the west, Fort Buford played an important and colorful part in opening the frontier for permanent settlement. Famous Indian prisoners at the fort included Chief Joseph, Crow King, Rain-in-the-Face, Gall and Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull with about 200 stragglers, the last of the hostile Sioux, surrendered here in 1881.

In 1895 the fort was dismantled and the garrison was transferred to Fort Assiniboine, Montana.

The original adobe buildings providing quarters for 300 men were later replaced by about 100 frame buildings: though most of the buildings were sold and removed upon dismantling the fort. A stone powder magazine and the headquarters building are preserved on their original sites. The old military cemetery is also preserved.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian.

Location. 47° 59.159′ N, 104° 0.07′ W. Marker is in Williston, North Dakota

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, in Williams County. Marker is on 39th Lane NW. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15349 39th Lane NW, Williston ND 58801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Telegraph Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Field Officers' Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Buford State Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Infantry Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Post Trader's Complex (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Parade Ground (about 400 feet away); North Dakota Masonic Foundation (approx. 0.2 miles away); Yellowstone Lodge #88 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williston.

Fort Buford Historic Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, June 9, 1997

2. Fort Buford Historic Site

Fort Buford Historic Site-Entrance sign to the museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, June 9, 1997

3. Fort Buford Historic Site-Entrance sign to the museum

Photo inside museum-Surrender at Fort Buford image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, June 9, 1997

4. Photo inside museum-Surrender at Fort Buford

Photo inside museum-The Last Years of Sitting Bull image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, June 9, 1997

5. Photo inside museum-The Last Years of Sitting Bull

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 421 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 11, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.