About 24 miles away, this reconstructed fur trading post lets visitors step into the 1800s. Interpretive exhibits, reenactments, and a visitor center share the story of trade between Plains Tribes and Euro-American merchants.

History of Fort Union

In October 1828, construction of the post was underway and it soon became the center of the Northern Rocky Mountain Fur Trade. At its peak in the 1830’s the post, along with other American Fur Company forts in the region sent to St. Louis an annual harvest of more than 25,000 beaver skins, 30,000 deer skins, and 55,000 buffalo hides. Historians today have come to call Fort Union the largest and most imposing trade post on the Missouri River.

During the mid 1830’s the decline of the fur trade began as textiles began to replace furs on the fashion scene. By the mid 1850’s ownership of the fort had changed hands several times as the demand for furs lessened each passing year. After a short period as the rendezvous point for the Great Northern Railroad survey crews, Fort Union as a money making enterprise ceased to exist.

  • Type: Historical Site
  • Distance from Sidney: 24 miles