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.
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.
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. Last night was the
coolest of the Season.
- Lucius B. Smith, Surgeon, 7th Regiment,
Minnesota Volunteers
Sutler / Post Trader
David McCauley served as Fort
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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.
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.
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 marker); Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Magazine (within shouting distance of this marker);
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 151 times since then and 17 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.
