Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Fort Benton – Fort MacLeod Trail

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

1. Fort Benton – Fort MacLeod Trail Marker

Inscription. The Fort Benton to Fort MacLeod or "Whoop-up" Trail into Canada was the main artery of commerce in the 1869-1883 era. Twenty yoke of oxen was a team and each team hauled three of the heavy freight wagons loaded with trade goods, calico and whiskey. They returned loaded with hides for the St. Louis market. Until the closing of the river trade this road was the source of supply for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the boundary survey and the Canadian Pacific Railway. The resourceful, fearless plainsmen and bullwhackers relaxed at the end of their hazardous journey, opened up their cargo, not the calico, and "whooped it up." Thus the name "Fort Whoop-up" and the famous "Whoop-up Trail."

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles.

Location. 47° 49.213′ N, 110° 39.852′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. It is at the intersection of Front Street and 18th Street, on the right on Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Benton MT 59442, United States of America.

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Regionally, this marker is in Central Montana, in Missouri River Country,

and specifically in Russell Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Montana Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Steamboat Relics (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Benton Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Benton and the Indian Wars (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Fort Benton (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Keelboat Mandan (about 300 feet away); War Dogs Memorial (about 300 feet away); Buffalo Robe Fur Press (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.

More about this marker. This marker is on the outside of the traffic circle.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

2. Fort Benton – Fort MacLeod Trail Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 507 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.