While it has “fort” in the name and it is built for defense, it was not intended as a fort nor ever used as one. It was a trading post and one that the Indians used and trusted. In fact several tribes that were enemies to each other would camp out side the post and live peacefully while there. There was a window where you could bring your furs, for example, to trade and a store to buy goods. If you were a chief you were invited inside to a special room. The home in the middle of the post was very much like a home “back east” and well equipped. Rules here were strictly enforced. The post is so close to Montana that the parking lot is in that state but you walk all the way to North Dakota to see the trading post. Exhausting.!
Trading window
Ceremonial Trading Room