Garrison in McLean County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

De Trobriand

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2025

1. De Trobriand Marker

Inscription.
In August of 1867 General Philippe Regis Denis de Keredern de Trobriand took command of Fort Stevenson, headquarters for the Middle District of Dakota Territory. He served at the fort through April of 1869 and is the best known commander of Fort Stevenson.

The General commanded amid staggering responsibilities and intermittent warfare including skirmishes with Sitting Bull. His men faced horrible winters, bouts with scurvy, and the constant temptation to desert. Maintaining food and shelter was itself a heroic feat. Morale was difficult to maintain as he sought to keep soldiers paid, disciplined, and healthy; the Indian tribes loyal; and the Middle District at peace.

The General was a talented artist and writer who recorded many of history's best first-hand accounts of military life at Fort Stevenson and on the Dakota frontier. His journal of army life, now published under the title "Military Life in Dakota" portrays in precise detail the difficulties, dangers, and occasional splendor of soldering on the frontier.

De Trobriand's original paintings and drawings are housed in the North Dakota Heritage Center

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on the State Capital Ground.

Looking toward the lake to your left around the point is De Trobriand Bay. It is only fitting that it be named after the fort's first commander who served with distinction.

Erected by North Dakota Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1869.

Location. 47° 35.253′ N, 101° 25.297′ W. Marker is in Garrison, North Dakota, in McLean County. It can be reached from 41st Avenue Northwest (County Road 15) near Scooter Drive, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located in Fort Stevenson State Park in a grassy field bordered by Lake Sakakawea, near the south end of 4ist Avenue NW. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1205 41st Ave NW, Garrison ND 58540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Dakota’s Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation,

in the Drift Prairie,

and on the Missouri Plateau.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2025

2. De Trobriand Marker

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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A Blank Canvas (here, next to this marker); Buffalo (here, next to this marker); Garrison Dam (a few steps from this marker); Lake Sakakawea (a few steps from this marker); Fort Stevenson State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Intake Structure (approx. 5.7 miles away); Powerhouse (approx. 5.8 miles away); a different marker also named Garrison Dam (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Garrison.

Also see . . . Régis_de_Trobriand -- Wikipedia. Philippe Régis Denis de Keredern de Trobriand (June 4, 1816 – July 15, 1897) was a Breton aristocrat, lawyer, poet, and novelist who, on a dare, emigrated in his 20s to the United States, settling first in New York City. During the American Civil War, he became naturalized, was commissioned and served in the Union Army, reaching the rank of Major
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer

3. General Regis de Trobriand
general....Trobriand returned in 1867 to serve with the US Army in the West, where it became engaged in the Indian Wars. Trobriand commanded Fort Stevenson in Dakota Territory from 1867 to May 10, 1869....While in North Dakota, Trobriand painted a series of landscapes and portraits of friendly American Indians of the region: the Arikara, Gros Ventre, and Mandan peoples. Reproductions of 27 of his paintings are displayed at the fort today....In 1874 President Ulysses S. Grant assigned Trobriand to New Orleans, as colonel to lead the 13th Regiment in protecting the state legislature and other officers of government due to repeated violence in the state related to the 1872 disputed gubernatorial election in the state. In September 1874, 5,000 members of the White League had taken over state offices in the city for three days, in an attempt to turn out the Republicans....In retirement, Trobriand and his wife settled in New Orleans, in rue Clouet of the Bywater section of New Orleans. For years, he cultivated roses in a large garden, and also enjoyed painting and reading. (Submitted on August 31, 2025, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2025, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on October 12, 2025, by Thierry Chaunu of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 31, 2025, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.