Near Loma in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Fort Piegan

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 23, 2020

1. Fort Piegan Marker

Inscription. Led by James Kipp, 75 employees of the American Fur Company arrived at the Marias in 1831 to build a post for trade with the Piegan Indians. They soon encountered a large party of Piegan, and Kipp staved off trouble by persuading the chiefs to withdraw their people for 75 days while his party constructed the post.
The Indians reappeared on the appointed day, and the trading was brisk, Over 10 days, more than 2,400 beaver skins were traded-a very successful beginning! Later that same winter, however, the fort was attacked by a band of Blood Indians. Fort Piegan was abandoned and burned the following spring.
Fort Piegan was the American Fur Company's first foothold in Blackfeet country above Fort Union (located in present-day North Dakota). Fort Mckenzie, 8 miles up river, replaced it the following year, Fort Piegan's exact location is unknown. Any remnants have probably been eroded by the ever-changing river channels.

Erected by Bureau of Land Management and National Conservation Lands.

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

Location. 47° 55.532′ N, 110° 29.74′ W. Marker is near Loma, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker can be reached from Loma Ferry Road

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near Curlew Trail. The marker is located on the foot-trail taking off from the Decision Point parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Loma MT 59460, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Decision Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Ophir (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Decision Point (about 700 feet away); The Manitoba Railroad (approx. 0.9 miles away); Marias River (approx. 0.9 miles away); Victims of Blood Indian Massacre (approx. 0.9 miles away); A Montana Crossroads (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Loma.

Also see . . . Fort Piegan (1) -- FortWiki.com. Fort Piegan (1) (1831-1832) - An American Fur Company Fort established by James Kipp in 1831 near Loma, Chouteau County, Montana. Named Fort Piegan after the first Blackfoot tribe to make peace. Abandoned 1832 and later burned down by the Indians. (Submitted on December 5, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Fort Piegan Marker and the Confluence of the Marias and Missouri Rivers Beyond image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 23, 2020

2. Fort Piegan Marker and the Confluence of the Marias and Missouri Rivers Beyond

Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 285 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 5, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.