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.
Fort Benton – Fort MacLeod Trail. . 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."
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."
Location. 47° 49.213′ N, 110° 39.852′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker 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. Touch for directions.
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 215 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
