Abercrombie in Richland County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Ferry Crossing

Photographed by Connor Olson, June 14, 2021

1. Ferry Crossing Marker

Inscription. Straight ahead of you and down along the bank of the river is the approximate location of the ferry crossing that served Fort Abercrombie. This photograph shows the ferry as it crosses the Red River. You are in roughly the same spot as the photographer who took this picture. Look closely at the photograph. How does the ferry move across the river? What types of people are using the ferry? In addition to horses, what other types of animals are using this ferry?

Heading east from the ferry crossing, the trail would have taken you southeast to Fergus Falls, St. Cloud, and St. Paul. From Fort Abercrombie, trails also headed northwest to Fort Totten and southwest to Fort Wadsworth (later known as Fort Sisseton).

Civilian Travelers

Both soldiers and civilians used the ferry crossing to get across the Red River. During the 1860s, many civilians traveling through Fort Abercrombie were on their way west to the gold fields in what is now Montana and Idaho. Expeditions of gold seekers led by James Fisk passed through Fort Abercrombie in 1862 and 1863.

Erected by State Historical Society of North Dakota.

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 46° 26.7′ N, 96° 43.032′ W. Marker is in Abercrombie, North Dakota, in Richland County. It can be reached from Broadway North near Abercrombie Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 935 Broadway N, Abercrombie ND 58001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Red River Valley

and in Greater Fargo Area.

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 Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cannon Bastion (within shouting distance of this marker); Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Carpenter Shop (within shouting distance of this marker);

Red River of the North image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Connor Olson, June 14, 2021

2. Red River of the North

Guardhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Quartermaster Storehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Abercrombie (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Commissary Storehouse (about 400 feet away); Sutler / Post Trader (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abercrombie.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 262 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.