Three miles to the east of Fort Union sits Fort Buford, near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, a frontier plains military post established to protect overland and river routes used by immigrants settling in the west. The site was well-chosen, as it was like building a post at the intersection of two major interstate highways. Neighboring Fort Union had fallen into disrepair, not uncommon for forts on the northern plains, largely because of inadequate building materials and lackluster construction techniques. In November of 1866, before winter dug its icy claws in, the fort was completed and consisted of a 360-foot-square stockade, which enclosed log and adobe buildings to house a single company garrison.

Historically, Fort Buford, named after the late Major General John Buford, hero of Gettysburg, was claimed by the Hidatsa, whose population, by this time, had already been decimated by smallpox. The Sioux had controlled the area after their demise and were none too pleased with the establishment of the fort. Several skirmishes occurred with the Sioux, most often led by the great warrior, Sitting Bull. After a string of attacks, orders were sent to increase the strength of the garrison by adding four additional companies, who were set to arrive with the spring thaw. Construction of a larger fort to house the new troops began in 1867. The sounds of hammers and mallets echoed through the fort as the old stockade was partially demolished and original buildings were either remodeled or torn down. New buildings were constructed from handmade adobe bricks and green lumber and unfortunately deteriorated within three years. The deplorable condition of the buildings coupled with increased Indian attacks, necessitated the construction of an expanded fort in 1871 and 1872, home to six companies.

During this time, westward expansion was continuing. The Northern Pacific Railway was conducting survey activities west of the Missouri River. The Yellowstone expeditions between 1871 and 1873, as well as the Black Hills expedition of 1874, violated the Treaty of 1868. The Sioux were provoked, angry that the railroad would destroy or chase away wildlife. The skirmishes grew more frequent and more intense, the Sioux refusing to let the invasion of their lands go unchallenged. By late 1875, war was imminent. From 1876 to 1879, the Sioux Wars raged around the northern Great Plains. Famed battles included the Battle of the Rosebud and, a few days later, the defeat of Custer and the Battle of Little Bighorn to name a few. Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota leader, was determined to reclaim his lands. However, after living in uncertainty and fear of attacks, Sitting Bull abandoned his traditional homeland in Montana and led his people north, across the Canadian border.

Here is where the stories of Sitting Bull and Fort Buford collide. In 1881, the lack of natural game for hunting and the desire for his people to reunite with their families in Dakota Territory, Sitting Bull set foot back on American soil. Knowing his independence was highly unlikely, Sitting Bull led thirty five families to Fort Buford where, on July 20, 1881, the great Sioux chief surrendered his Winchester to the commander, Major D.H. Brotherton.

After the Indian Wars were over, Fort Buford lost its importance and began to deteriorate. On October 1, 1895, it was abandoned. The story of Fort Buford didn’t end there. Today, the North Dakota State Historical Society runs Fort Buford State Historic Site. Remnants of the essential military post still exist, including a stone powder magazine, the post cemetery site, and a large officers’ quarters building which now houses a museum. Fort Buford certainly has some good stories to its name and was essential to American history and the settling of the wild west.