Fort Abercrombie Historic Site
Fort Abercrombie was built in 1858 and was called “The Gateway to the Dakotas” because it was the first permanent military settlement in what became North Dakota. The fort guarded the Red River trails used by the Red River ox cart trains during the fur trade. It also guarded military supply wagon trains, stagecoaches and steamboats.
Because of flooding, a newer fort was built nearby in 1860. It was surrounded by Dakota Indian forces for more than six weeks during the Dakota War of 1862 and was abandoned in 1877. The town of Abercrombie, N.D., was built to the west of the fort. Abercrombie is about 17 miles from Wahpeton, N.D., and 35 miles south of Fargo, N.D.
Because the original fort was destroyed, a reconstructed fort was built in 1939-1940. A visitor center and museum were also added to the site now known as the Fort Abercrombie Historic Site.
The site is open from May 15 through Sept. 15. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children ages 6 to 15.