Originally Posted by chlinstructor
How big is the actual Fort. Hard to tell from the photo. I assume it would have been pretty small, especially considering when and where it was constructed.
I can’t imagine how tough life was there at that time in the winter.

I’ve read about it and would like to see it if I ever pass through that way again someday.



Here's the photo again....

[Linked Image]


In front down the far end is a buffalo hide press, IIRC the cottonwood trunk attached was about 15 feet long, the whole structure has gotta be more'n 100 feet wide.

The turns out the fort wasn't built until 1846, after the classic fur trade period had ended, the blockhouse part dates from 1852.

"...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744