National Register Listing

Fort Totten

S of Fort Totten off ND 57, Fort Totten, ND

Fort Totten located on the south shore of Devils Lake was established on July 17, 1867 by order of General Alfred H. Terry. It was one of a series of forts established for the protection of an overland route extending from southern Minnesota into western Montana. The post was named in honor of Brevet Major General Joseph Gilbert Totten, late Chief Engineer of the U.S. Army.

The original construction in 1867 was of a temporary nature, with crude log structures comprising the post. Surrounding the outpost was a stockade of oak logs, 18 feet tall. On April 6, 1869 a joint resolution of Congress authorized the Secretary of War to construct a more permanent facility, however, construction had already begun in 1868 prior to congressional authorization. Built 800 yards south of the original post, the buildings were constructed of brick made in the vicinity. This 1868-1871 development is the Fort Totten which stands today. It has been called the best preserved military post in the Trans-Mississippi West for the Indian Wars period.

In the 1870's the buildings at the fort included officers quarters, hospital, office, magazine, storehouses, company barracks, mess hall, commissary, baker shop and guard house. The post was constructed at an approximate cost of $100,000.00 A corral and stables were added to accommodate the cattle and horses kept at the fort. Nearby a sutler's store and even a small brewery appeared to serve the occupants.

Up until 1873 Fort Totten was used as an infantry garrison. At this time Cavalry troops were added with the assignment of Companies D and I of the 7th Cavalry. Generally, until the closing of the military post in November 1890, there were two or three infantry companies and one or two cavalry companies manning the post.
Fort Totten was closely related to Indians and the Agency that adjoined the post. A treaty in 1867 with the Sisseton-Wahpeton, and Cut-Head Sioux brought small bands into the area. In 1874 a school called St. Michael's Mission, near the fort was established. When Fort Totten was abandoned in 1890 Congress approved the transfer of the plant to the Department of Interior for the establishment of an Indian Industrial School.

In 1960 Fort Totten was turned over to the State Historical Society of North Dakota by the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs for preservation as a historic site.

Local significance of the building:
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.