| The museum lets you explore the history of the Upper Missouri River and its head of navigation, Fort Benton, Montana. Both are significant National Historic Landmarks in the settling of the West. |
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THE MUSEUM
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| The museum lets you explore the history of the Upper Missouri River and its head of navigation, Fort Benton, Montana. Both are significant National Historic Landmarks in the settling of the West. |
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During the steamboat era, Fort Benton evolved from a fur trade post, to a wild lawless river port, and finally to a sophisticated city of merchant princes, bankers and cattlemen. Until the coming of the railroad in the late 1880's it was the premier transportation point and mercantile capital of the Northwest. Displays guide you through the eras of exploration, the time of fur posts and military posts, and into the "golden age" of Fort Benton. |
| Wagons rolled in all direction from the Fort
Benton levee, carrying people and supplies to the northwestern U.S. and western Canada. The Whoop-Up Trail, Mullan Road and other important routes are featured in major displays.
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 Front Street, Fort Benton, Montana |
| Additional displays focus upon historical characters, places, and events along the Upper Missouri and in Fort Benton. Significant displays include the rifle Chief Joseph surrendered to Generals Howard and Miles at the Battle of the Bear's Paw and relics from the fur & robe and military Forts of the region. |
