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

Whoop Up Trail

Whoop Up Country

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2020

1. Whoop Up Trail Marker

Inscription. After the days of the gold rush, the most important trade route from Fort Benton was the Whoop Up Trail. Begun during the whiskey trade, it developed into the major supply route to Alberta and much of Saskatchewan. Whiskey traders carried their wares north and returned with buffalo robes for transport down river by steamboat. From 1869-1883 most supplies came up river to Fort Benton by boat. Fort Benton merchants held most of the Canadian contracts, annuities and even the Mounted Police payroll.
The Whoop Up Trail ran up the Teton River by the Knees via Baking Power Flats, then to Shelby and across the border to Fort Macleod and Lethbridge. Eventually, the route included Calgary and Edmonton until the railroad reached Calgary in 1883.

Erected by Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles.

Location. 47° 48.721′ N, 110° 40.226′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. It is on River Street near 8th Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located on the river front

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pathway between Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center and the historic downtown business district. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Benton MT 59442, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Great Northern Railway (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort LaBarge (within shouting distance of this marker); Nez Perce Fight (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Coulson's Steamboat Offices (about 400 feet away); Most Progressive in Montana (about 600 feet away); Cow Island Incident (about 700 feet away); Old Fort Campbell (about 700 feet away); The Little Shell Chippewa (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of

Whoop Up Trail - Whoop Up Country Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2020

2. Whoop Up Trail - Whoop Up Country Marker

Captions: (left) Map of the Whoop Up Trail; (top center) Fort Whoop Up; (bottom center) Col. Macleod and Straff; (top right) Fort Walsh in the Cypress Hills; (middle right) The Mountie Post at Fort Macleod; (bottom right) Front Street, Loads and Headed Up the Whoop Up.

all markers in Fort Benton.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2020

3. Whoop Up Trail Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 585 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 3, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.