Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Buffalo Robe Fur Press
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
1. Buffalo Robe Fur Press Marker
Captions: (bottom center-right) Beaver press in the field; (bottom right) Buffalo press at Fort Lewis.
Inscription.
Buffalo Robe Fur Press. . , This is a replica of the buffalo robe press that was used at Old Fort Benton. It was big and awkward, but robes were so bulky and heavy that it took equipment like this to handle them. Robes were pressed hair-side out after the four sides were folding into a three-foot square. 10 to 12 hides made a bundle that weighed nearly 150 pounds, about what two men could carry.
The long tree pole of cotton-wood is anchored into the ground at one end. It is lifted up at the other end with the gin pole which opens up the bed of the press. The folded robes are placed on the lower bed of the press. With the men also adding their weight, the furs are tightly pressed together and tied before they are removed and carried to the boat for shipment down river.
This is a replica of the buffalo robe press that was used at Old Fort Benton. It was big and awkward, but robes were so bulky and heavy that it took equipment like this to handle them. Robes were pressed hair-side out after the four sides were folding into a three-foot square. 10 to 12 hides made a bundle that weighed nearly 150 pounds, about what two men could carry.
The long tree pole of cotton-wood is anchored into the ground at one end. It is lifted up at the other end with the gin pole which opens up the bed of the press. The folded robes are placed on the lower bed of the press. With the men also adding their weight, the furs are tightly pressed together and tied before they are removed and carried to the boat for shipment down river.
Erected by Fort Benton Community Improvement Association.
Location. 47° 49.259′ N, 110° 39.803′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker is on Front Street near 18, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Benton MT 59442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Fort Benton (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Benton Historic District
More about this marker. The Fur Robe Press is located in front of Old Fort Benton.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
2. Buffalo Robe Fur Press and Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
3. Buffalo Robe Fur Press
Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 159 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 5, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.