Between 1828 and 1867, Fort Union was the most important fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River. Here, the Assiniboine and six other Northern Plains Tribes exchanged buffalo robes and smaller furs for goods from around the world, including cloth, guns, blankets, and beads. A bastion of peaceful coexistence, the post annually traded over 25,000 buffalo robes and $100,000 in merchandise.

During the height of the spring trade season camps from various Upper Missouri Tribes would fill the plateau around Fort Union.

Tipis fill the fields around at Fort Union

Visitors hiking the scenic Bodmer Trail experience a historical view of Fort Union, and the same view painted by Karl Bodmer in 1833.

Fort Union and the Missouri River Valley

Volunteer reenactors relax on the Bourgeois House porch

Twilight View of the Bourgeois House

Before trading began at Fort Union the Trade House's reception room was prepared for feasting. Traditionally  a meal was shared between the Upper Missouri Tribes and American Fur Company employees

Trade House Prepared for Guests

Ranging from employee housing, workshops, storage warehouses, domestic animal pens and horse corrals, the courtyard housed the world at Fort Union.

Fort Union Trading Post Courtyard

Viewing Fort Union Trading Post from the Missouri River bottoms one can imagine how grandiose the site would appear to weary steamboat travelers.

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

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