Forts of the American Frontier 1820–91

Located near the junction of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers, Fort Union was established by the American Fur Company under the direction of Kenneth McKenzie in 1829. The work force probably consisted of carpenters and masons from St. Louis, plus métis (French Canadian and Indian laborers) from Quebec. This fort consisted of a stout stockade of vertical cottonwood logs, which enclosed a quadrangle measuring 220 x 240ft. The long axis of the fort ran almost due north and south, while the shorter sides paralleled the Missouri River. At the northeast and southwest corners stood imposing, two-story, stone bastions, which replaced earlier wooden ones. The accommodation of the employees and work force occupied a long building on the western side of the interior. A similar structure containing storerooms stood on the eastern side. A headquarters building stood at the north end, with a kitchen behind it. To the west end of the north wall stood a simple gate that led out on to the prairie. The main entrance was located in the center of the southern wall. Like most of the early trading posts, this feature had a double set of gates. When Native Americans came to trade, they were allowed past the outer gates into an area known as the “reception room” where they conducted their business. During hostile times, or when customers were too numerous, trade was conducted through a small opening in the outer wall of the fort.