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

Sutler / Post Trader

Photographed By Connor Olson, June 14, 2021

1. Sutler/Post Trader Marker

Inscription.

Sutler, also, Post Trader. . The sutler's store was a log building situated on the southeast side of the fort. Sutlers were civilian contractors who supplied forts with items the army would not or could not supply. They sold food such as eggs, milk, cheese, and vegetables, as well as other items such as newspapers, tobacco, and cloth. The sutler's establishment was also a social gathering place for the fort's garrison where card games and billiards were played and alcohol was available.

In 1863, Lucius B. Smith described a visit to Fort Abercrombie's sutler's store at the completion of General Sibley's military expedition into Dakota Territory.

Aug. 22nd , This forenoon Gen. Sibley and Staff and the Staff and field officers of the several Regiments made an official visit to the Fort now under Command of Major Camp. The General was received with the honor due his rank after which the various buildings and the grounds in and around the Fort was inspected. The Sutlers Store not being forgotten and the Lager Beer which was in abundance also Crackers and Cheese was tasted and proved to be very fine, as every Officer can testify from personal inspection. Last night was the coolest of the Season. , - Lucius B. Smith, Surgeon, 7th Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers

Sutler / Post Trader

David McCauley served as Fort Abercrombie's sutler in the early 1860s and was present during the siege in 1862. In addition to serving as the sutler, McCauley was also the postmaster and agent for the stagecoach company that operated between the fort and St. Paul, Minnesota. Later, he founded the community of McCauleyville just across the river.

The sutler's store was a log building situated on the southeast side of the fort. Sutlers were civilian contractors who supplied forts with items the army would not or could not supply. They sold food such as eggs, milk, cheese, and vegetables, as well as other items such as newspapers, tobacco, and cloth. The sutler's establishment was also a social gathering place for the fort's garrison where card games and billiards were played and alcohol was available.

In 1863, Lucius B. Smith described a visit to Fort Abercrombie's sutler's store at the completion of General Sibley's military expedition into Dakota Territory.

Aug. 22nd
This forenoon Gen. Sibley & Staff and the Staff & field officers of the several Regiments made an official visit to the Fort now under Command of Major Camp. The General was received with the honor due his rank after which the various buildings and the grounds in and around the Fort was inspected. The Sutlers Store not being forgotten and the Lager Beer which was in abundance also Crackers & Cheese was tasted and proved to be very fine, as every Officer can testify from personal inspection.

Photographed By Connor Olson, June 14, 2021

2. Sutler/Post Trader Marker and Site

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Last night was the coolest of the Season.
- Lucius B. Smith, Surgeon, 7th Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers

Sutler / Post Trader

In 1867 the position of sutler was changed to post trader at military posts. Post traders functioned in much the same way as a sutler, but with stricter oversight from the army. Post traders provided essentially the same products as the earlier sutlers.

Erected by State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 46° 26.635′ N, 96° 43.092′ W. Marker is in Abercrombie, North Dakota, in Richland County. Memorial is on Broadway North (County Road 4) near Abercrombie Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 935 Broadway N, Abercrombie ND 58001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Laundresses Quarters (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Magazine (within shouting distance of this marker); Surgeon’s & Chaplain’s Quarters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Abercrombie (about 400 feet away); Guardhouse (about 400 feet away); Barracks (about 500 feet away); Headquarters (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abercrombie.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.