Near Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Fort Benton and the Mullan Road
On July 2, 1860, the steamboat Chippewa, and Key West deposited 300 soldiers under the command of Major George Blake at the Fort Benton levee. Among the troops was Lieutenant August Kautz, a Military Academy classmate of Mullan. The soldiers anxiously awaited the arrival of Mullan, who was ordered to lead them back across the newly completed road to Walla Walla. After nearly a month, Mullan and his men arrived at Fort Benton, the road completed on time and a little over budget. Mullan left Fort Benton a few days ahead of Blake's recruits, improving the road in advance of the soldiers. After marching over two months and covering more than 600 miles, the soldiers reached Walla Walla. It was the only time the Mullan Road was used as a military road.
Erected by Montana Department of Transportation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is August 1, 1860.
Location. 47° 50.364′ N, 110° 41.124′ W. Marker is near Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker is on U.S. 87 near State Road 233&80, on the right 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort Benton (here, next to this marker); Church of the Immaculate Conception (approx. 1˝ miles away); a different marker also named Church of the Immaculate Conception (approx. 1˝ miles away); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (approx. 1˝ miles away); a different marker also named St. Paul's Episcopal Church (approx. 1˝ miles away); War Dogs Memorial (approx. 1.6 miles away); The Engage's Quarters (approx. 1.6 miles away); Fort Benton Historic District (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.
Also see . . . John Mullan (road builder) -- Wikipedia. John Mullan, Jr. (July 31, 1830 – December 28, 1909) was an American soldier, explorer, civil servant, and road builder....He unsuccessfully sought appointment as Territorial Governor of the new Idaho Territory, although he played a significant role in the territory's formation and the establishment of its boundaries.... He later became an agent and lobbyist for the states of California, Nevada, and Oregon and for the Washington Territory, securing reimbursements from the federal government. (Submitted on November 11, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 183 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 11, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.