fort assinniboine historic tour

We were delighted with our visit here. We saw the fort complex at a nice, leisurely pace since we had the time for it and our guide, Scott, was more than willing to indulge our curiousity. He took the time to go over anything and everything, pointing out details of what's still here and describing what used to be here but is now gone. Sadly, much is gone, but the stories of what went on here in its heyday were great. How the fort played a role in the development of the west, General Pershing's experiences, the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, the connection to one of Hawaii's governors and more were all explained very well. Even about who got to live where on the base [rank hath its priviledges!]The minor concerns we had invovled signage and information. Approaching from the west, as most people would, the sign for it isn't until you've passed the turn, and the historical marker for it along route 87 says it's "just east of here," also suggesting going further [east] to find it. We had to turn around and go back. Then once on the access road, there should be a sign on the right hand side just before where you should turn left.Our reference said tours were only at 1 and 5, but we got in right away when we arrived early afternoon. Apparently the specific hours are only true part of the year. Any local brouchures, AAA references, etc. should be updated with the correct information, i.e. that tours are walk-up except for certain months or days.

Sharon, I wish we had a way to condense the high points when people are pressed for time. Instead our site seems to spawn a thousand wonderful conversations about America's past, present and future--great intellectual fodder, but not a 15 minute stop. Thanks for visiting!Scott

Fort Assinniboine was an active Army post a bit more than 100 years ago. Sadly, much of it is gone due to what the guide called cannibalizing (old buildings being torn apart for building materials). It's history is very interesting. General Pershing commanded his Buffalo Soldiers here and got his blackjack nickname (actually it was less PC at first). The post is close to where Chief Joseph was captured. It was really a small city when it was in operation. The guide, Scott, was lively and entertaining, but also clearly a serious scholar.My one concern is how hard it was to find. The really need more good signs in Havre.

I'm glad you enjoyed your visit. In a perfect world government might do all historical preservation. But what if they got some of it wrong? Two advantages groups of passionate volunteers and donors enjoy are autonomy and intellectual freedom. While more money would be nice, we have a lot more freedom to choose what to focus on. This lends a lot of character to the fort. We do receive some government support, most notably, we are guests of the Montana State University Northern Agricultural Research Center and they have kept the buildings serviceable for over 100 years.Thanks for the review!Scott

Alan, We're thrilled that you enjoyed your visit--have no fear that you overstayed your welcome! Thanks so much for sticking with it and writing your review. You quite literally put us on TripAdvisor's map. We hope that you're right about how many people look here. Keep watching our old forts, wikipedia, facebook, chamber and visitmt pages for updates. Hopefully we'll be able to take your suggestion and put up our own webpage soon.