Fort Bennett (Stanley County, South Dakota)
Stanley County · South Dakota · Indian Wars
History & Significance
Fort Bennett was established during the Indian wars in the Department of Dakota to control the Sioux, following establishment of Cheyenne River Agency in 1869 after conclusion of the Fort Laramie Treaty as an agency for the Two Kettle, Sans Arc, and Miniconjou Sioux. The fort's strategic location on the Missouri River supported federal efforts to concentrate three Sioux bands.
The structure featured three palisaded sides with one open side facing the Missouri River, a semi-fortified design adapted to riverine geography. Following the Great Sioux War of 1876–77, some Cheyenne River Indians were involved in the conflict and later returned to the agency.
The post grew from its initial two-company garrison; after the Custer Massacre in 1876, the fort hosted up to nine companies of troops. Fort Bennett was also a focal point during the Ghost Dance uprising of 1890. The post was moved three times due to river flooding, with each site within 300 yards of each other, and some foundational remnants remain visible during periods of low water in the Oahe Reservoir.
Key Facts
Map
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Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Bennett
- https://history.sd.gov/archives/forms/military/Fort%20Bennett.pdf
- https://www.sdpb.org/blogs/images-of-the-past/haunted-fort-bennett-south-dakota/
- https://www.northamericanforts.com/West/sdwest.html
- https://fortwiki.com/Fort_Bennett_(2)
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