Near Havre in Hill County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Fort Assinniboine

Old Forts Trail

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2019

1. Fort Assinniboine Marker

Inscription. Montana's largest and most impressive military post was established in 1879 in the aftermath of the defeat of Colonel Custer and the Seventh Cavalry by the Sioux (Lakota) Nation at the Battle of the Little Bighorn River and the capture of the Nez Perce under Chief Joseph at the Bear Paw Battlefield at Snake Creek. Fort Assinniboine was considered the most important military post in the Northwest because of its strategic location at the conjunction of major Indian trails. Midway between Fort Benton on the Missouri River in Montana and Fort Walsh in the Cypress Hills of present-day Saskatchewan in Canada, the trading post complex at Fort Assinniboine was both a supply destination and stopping point. A steady stream of ox-drawn freight wagons and Métis Red River carts bound for other northern Montana trading posts and North West Mounted Police posts kept the trail to Fort Assinniboine well trodden. The railroads eventually reached areas served by trade trail and replaced freight wagon traffic, but soon homesteading brought new significance to the northern route. By 1911, Fort Assinniboine was no longer needed. The vital economic

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military link played an important role in the development of the American and Canadian West. Today, parts of the international "Old Forts Trail" linking Forts Benton, Assinniboine and Walsh and others are now incorporated into present-day US 87.

Erected by Old Forts Trail.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.

Location. 48° 29.913′ N, 109° 47.795′ W. Marker is near Havre, Montana, in Hill County. It is on Fort Circle near 82nd Avenue West (Assinniboine Road). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Havre MT 59501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Montana’s Missouri River 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: A different marker also named

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2019

2. Fort Assinniboine Marker

The marker is located on the right wall in this group of markers

Fort Assinniboine (here, next to this marker); The Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Assinniboine (here, next to this marker); Fort Assiniboine (here, next to this marker); John A. Burns (a few steps from this marker); Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Company Officers' Quarters (Apartments) (within shouting distance of this marker); Guardhouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Company Officer's Quarters (Duplexes) (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre.

More about this marker. This marker on the parade grounds of Fort Assinniboine.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 433 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 19, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.