North Dakota has had a long history. It’s been the state we know it as today, part of the Dakota Territory, and the home of various peoples for hundreds, even thousands of years. Back in the days of the Dakota Territory, a lot happened. Trade flourished and settlers began to make their way across the land. To get there, they often passed through “the Gateway to the Dakotas.” This historic military fort in North Dakota is still there, and you can see it for yourself:

Visit Fort Abercrombie near Abercrombie, North Dakota right on the border with Minnesota for a historic experience.

Fort Abercrombie/Facebook

This site is run by the State Historical Society of North Dakota and includes a museum and reconstructed buildings that’ll take you back in time. Admission is only $7 for adults and $3 for children 14 and under.

Fort Abercrombie/Facebook

Fort Abercrombie was established in 1857 before the Dakota Territory was incorporated in 1861, and years before North Dakota became a state.

James Rutschke/Google

The fort was an important gateway for traders, settlers, stagecoaches, and more headed west into the Dakotas.

Fort Abercrombie/Google

It was an important part of the US-Dakota War of 1862, being part of a six-week battle with the Dakota, or Sioux, people. Military buildings can be seen here up close and personal.

Fort Abercrombie/Facebook

Though the fort was abandoned in 1877, careful reconstructions have been done to recreate the fort as it was when it guarded the steamboats on the Red and the oxcarts heading west.

Fort Abercrombie/Facebook

Fort Abercrombie/Facebook

The view of the river is lovely here, too, adding to one of the many reasons to visit this fascinating historic fort.

Fort Abercrombie/Facebook

If you’d like to visit Fort Abercrombie, you can find more information on this website. Fort Abercrombie also has a Facebook page so you can keep up to date with closures, events, talks, and more.

Fort Abercrombie/Facebook

James Rutschke/Google

Fort Abercrombie/Google

Had you ever heard of the oldest permanent military fort in North Dakota? This isn’t the oldest building in the state, however. Learn more about the oldest building in North Dakota here. Lucky for us, it’s also a historic site that is open to the public!

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Address: Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site, 935 Broadway, Abercrombie, ND 58001, USA