Fort Totten
S of Fort Totten off ND 57, Fort Totten, NDFort 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:
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.
Military
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
North Dakota was the birthplace of several famous figures, including author Louis L'Amour, entrepreneur Harold Hamm, and actress Angie Dickinson.
About Benson County
Benson County Timeline
Benson County, ND has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native Americans, particularly the Dakota Sioux tribes, who relied on hunting, fishing, and farming for sustenance. European settlers began to arrive in the mid-19th century, with the establishment of military forts and trading posts.
In 1884, Benson County was officially established, named after B.W. Benson, a territorial legislator. The county saw a significant influx of settlers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracted by the promise of free land through the Homestead Act. The agriculture industry boomed, with farmers cultivating wheat, barley, and oats. Towns and villages sprang up, including Maddock, the county seat, and Minnewaukan, the largest community.
However, the county faced several challenges over the years. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, many farmers suffered from drought and financial difficulties. The Dust Bowl also had a severe impact on the region, leading to soil erosion and crop failures. The construction of the Garrison Dam in the 1940s further disrupted the county, as it resulted in the loss of fertile farmland and the relocation of communities.
Despite these challenges, Benson County has adapted and thrived over time. The agriculture industry remains a cornerstone of the economy, although it has diversified to include livestock, dairy farming, and the production of biofuels. The county also boasts beautiful landscapes, with several recreational opportunities in the area, such as fishing, hunting, and boating on nearby lakes.
Today, Benson County continues to honor its history while looking towards the future. Its resilient community and dedication to preserving its agricultural heritage make it a unique and thriving part of North Dakota.
In 1884, Benson County was officially established, named after B.W. Benson, a territorial legislator. The county saw a significant influx of settlers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracted by the promise of free land through the Homestead Act. The agriculture industry boomed, with farmers cultivating wheat, barley, and oats. Towns and villages sprang up, including Maddock, the county seat, and Minnewaukan, the largest community.
However, the county faced several challenges over the years. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, many farmers suffered from drought and financial difficulties. The Dust Bowl also had a severe impact on the region, leading to soil erosion and crop failures. The construction of the Garrison Dam in the 1940s further disrupted the county, as it resulted in the loss of fertile farmland and the relocation of communities.
Despite these challenges, Benson County has adapted and thrived over time. The agriculture industry remains a cornerstone of the economy, although it has diversified to include livestock, dairy farming, and the production of biofuels. The county also boasts beautiful landscapes, with several recreational opportunities in the area, such as fishing, hunting, and boating on nearby lakes.
Today, Benson County continues to honor its history while looking towards the future. Its resilient community and dedication to preserving its agricultural heritage make it a unique and thriving part of North Dakota.
Benson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Benson County, North Dakota.
- 1883 - Benson County was established on March 9.
- 1888 - The county seat was established in Minnewaukan.
- 1911 - The Butte St. Paul Catholic Church was constructed in Maddock.
- 1930 - The Minnewaukan Public School, known as the "Castle on the Hill," was built.
- 1948 - The North Dakota State Highway Department built a bridge connecting the mainland and Pelican Island.
- 1969 - The Spirit Lake Tribe established a reservation within the boundaries of Benson County.
- 1990 - The White Horse Hill National Game Preserve was established on lands adjacent to Devils Lake.