Fort Abercrombie commonly known as “the gateway to the Dakotas” was the first permanent military settlement that was ever built in the region that would later become North Dakota. Fort Abercrombie, which operated for a century-plus, was involved in several wars that defined the United States of America to date. The fort was abandoned in 1977 and is currently a historic site.

Fort Abercrombie’s history

Fort Abercrombie was named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel John J. Abercrombie. The fort was established in the 1850s and officially occupied in 1858. Being the only military fort at the time in the region, it protected Red river trails and traders using the various railroad in and out of the region. In 1860, only 2 years after it was inaugurated, the fort was abandoned due to floods that frequently affected the area. A new fort Abercrombie was built north of the original. Fort Abercrombie took part in major battles including the ''Dakota war'' which defined its history to date.

Abandoning Fort Abercrombie

During the civil war, Fort Abercrombie was the only strong military settlement that was expected to protect the local citizens. For this reason, it received hits and attacks from rebels frequently. In 1877, Rebel Indians attacked and besieged the fort for nearly a month. This happened in a 6 hour gunfight. With an army of more than 400 soldiers, the rebel Indian won the fort, injuring several soldiers and killing seven. Although the fort was later taken back by a civilian army led by Captain Burger, the way it was easily taken over by the rebels who had no skills whatsoever worried the department of defense. The fort was later decommissioned in 1877 and abandoned just like the original. The building was a war zone in the 1800s and the 1900s making it likely to be polluted by guns and explosive chemicals.

Fort Abercrombie Historic Site

The fort was abandoned and was not in use for decades until 1940 when renovations and reconstruction of the fort were done by Works Progress Administration. The original Fort Abercrombie that was abandoned earlier was destroyed. A new visitor’s center was built within the property and currently serves visitors at the Fort. Fort Abercrombie is currently a fully flagged historic site with a museum and a pavilion. Visits to the Fort Abercrombie historic site are open and free though at some sections of the site you will be charged to have access. You can go and enjoy the historic site anytime. As always, safety is mandatory for your wellbeing. Keep safe and alert at all times when visiting old structures like fort Abercrombie.