FORT BENTON, MONTANA
A National Historic Landmark
Fur traders, gold seekers, and homesteaders came via
steamboats to Fort Benton, the "Head of Navigation" on the Missouri River.
A fur and buffalo robe trading post at first, it became the hub for trade and travel
for all of Montana and Western Canada. Lewis and Clark, Jim Bridger, Kit Carson and
John Colter all explored the area. During the gold rush, fifty steamboats a season
docked along the Fort Benton levee, unloading equipment and supplies, and loading tons of
gold for the trip back to St. Louis. Whiskey followed gold, and infamous trails were
forged into Canada, including the Whoop-up Trail into Alberta and the Fort Walsh Trail
into Saskatchewan. Gradually law and order replaced lawlessness and ranchers and farmers
occupied the plains and Fort Benton became the hub for one of the largest wheat producing
areas in the state.
Today, Fort Benton retains much of its "steamboat
days" character. Many of the buildings located within its National Historic
Landmark District were constructed during the golden years of the 1880's. The
steamboat levee is now a park running the length of the community. The remains of
the "Old Fort" can be found in the city park. The history of the American
West can be experienced by visiting the Museum of the Upper Missouri and the Museum of the
Northern Great Plains. Stroll along the steamboat levee and onto the "old"
bridge and enjoy the view of the Missouri River. As you walk along the levee read
the many interpretive signs, visit the Shep Memorial and State of Montana's Lewis &
Clark Memorial or just sit on one of the park benches, take a deep breath...relax and let
the river flow by you.
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