Abercrombie

Fort Abercrombie
Constructed on its present site in the mid 1800's, Fort Abercrombie played an important part in the settlement of the Dakota Territory.  The Fort was built to protect boat traffic on the Red River, keep the Sioux  Indians west of the James River to keep settlers safe, and protect land traffic to Montana.  Once the Civil War began, regular army troops were called to serve, and Fort Abercrombie was manned only by Minnesota Volunteers.   Although thought of as a fort, in reality Fort Abercrombie had sparse defenses against attack, with only a few scattered buildings and no real fences or stockades  to keep intruders out.   Life during this time was rather dull, with few settlers in the area and only the occasional stagecoach traffic to liven things up.  That all changed in September, 1862, when the Sioux Indians attacked.  For three weeks, the onslaught continued, with the Volunteers putting up a valiant fight.  When it was all over, the Sioux had sustained unknown but considerable losses, with losses to the Volunteers at approximately 30 - 50.

This three week period during September, 1862 was a particularly emotionally-charged period for both the Indians and for the Volunteers.  The Indians felt they had been robbed of their land and mistreated.  The Volunteers were men who expected to only act as sentries on a stagecoach route, and were ill-prepared for a sustained battle with the Indians.   This is a perfect recipe for a residual haunting in which a reenactment of a traumatic event recurs over and over.  Sightings of both Indians and settlers reenacting this battle have been reported in this area persistently for over 100 years, making this a worthwhile visit if you happen to be passing through this area. 

The address for Fort Abercrombie is 816 Broadway Street, Abercrombie, ND 58001.  Phone:  701 553-8513
 

 

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