Near Williston in Williams County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Post Trader's Complex
Fort Buford State Historic Site
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 16, 2019
1. Post Trader's Complex Marker
Captions: (middle left) Post Trader's store at Fort Buford.; (bottom left) Post Trader's store at Fort Buford. This building stood until 1872. (bottom center) Leighton and Jordan held the contract for post trader at Fort Buford in 1875. The trader's books revealed the purchase of soldiers, officers, and nearby residents. On January 25, 1875, Captain Powell (entry 254) purchased one ounce of celery seed, one ounce of allspice, and one ounce of cinnamon, in addition to some other items. These spices would have been used by Powell's cook to enhance the flavor of the family's meals. The purchase of spices suggests a well-stocked pantry for the officer's family.; (bottom right) Diagram of Fort Buford.
Post traders supplied forts with items the army would not or could not supply. Post traders could not sell any goods provided through the army's commissary. They sold food such as eggs, milk, cheese, vegetables, tobacco, and cloth. The post trader's establishment was a social gathering place for the fort's garrison where card games and billiards were played and where alcohol was sometimes available.
In exchange for his franchise to serve the fort, the post trader was charged a monthly fee for every officer and enlisted man stationed at the post. These fees helped support activities such as the regimental band, the post bake house, education of soldiers, the post library and the purchase of gardening supplies.
During its existence five different firms served as post trader at Fort Buford. A variety of other civilian businesses also operated at the fort. These included a hotel, tailor, blacksmith, restaurant, barber, dairy, and a ferry. Most of these enterprises were short lived.
Erected by State Historical Society of North Dakota.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles
this page online
Location. 47° 59.132′ N, 104° 0.149′ W. Marker is near Williston, North Dakota, in Williams County. It can be reached from 39th Lane Northwest near 153rd Avenue Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williston ND 58801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Dakota’s Bakken Oil Patch. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Buford State Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Buford Historic Site (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); North Dakota Masonic Foundation (about 500 feet away); Telegraph Office (about 500 feet away); Field Officers' Quarters (about 500 feet away); Infantry Barracks (about 600
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 16, 2019
2. Post Trader's Complex Marker
More about this marker. This marker is located on the grounds of historic Fort Buford.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 564 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
