WILLISTON, ND – The public is invited to the Fort Buford Sixth Infantry Annual Encampment Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. CT at Fort Buford State Historic Site near Williston. All ages are welcome to this free event, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
“Step back in time with the sights, sounds, and stories of the past as reenactors bring the frontier era of the fort to vivid life,” said Ben Gjorven, Fort Buford Sixth Infantry Regimental Association president. “This encampment is a unique opportunity to experience the daily life of the Sixth Infantry Regiment soldiers stationed at Fort Buford in 1876.”
Discover the routines, traditions and challenges of fort life by attending historical reenactments, drills, and demonstrations. In addition to scheduled demonstrations, fort life activities will run throughout the day. Observe water detail, wood cutting detail, barracks cleaning, uniform upkeep and polishing, and Army laundress demonstrations.
“Guests can engage in historical activities and learn about the significant role these soldiers played on the frontier,” said Site Supervisor Yvette Bachmeier.
Saturday, July 13
9 a.m. Morning Colors and Morning Parade
11 a.m. Marching/Rifle Drill
1:30 p.m. Barracks Inspection
2 p.m. Rifle Demonstration and Cannon Demonstration
2:30 p.m. Signal Corps Communication: Signal Flags and Telegraphy
Wet Plate Photography Demonstration
Laundress Demonstration
4 p.m. Mail Call
Sunday, July 14
9 a.m. Morning Colors and Morning Parade
11 a.m. Skirmish Drill (Bayonet Drill)
Fort Buford State Historic Site was one of several military posts established to protect overland and river routes used by immigrants settling the West. While it served an essential role as the sentinel on the northern Plains for 29 years (1866-1895), it is probably best known as the place where Hunkpapa Sioux leader Sitting Bull relinquished his rifle to the U.S. government in 1881.
For more information, contact Yvette Bachmeier, 701.572.9034 or [email protected]. The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is part of Fort Buford State Historic Site managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Fort Buford is open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through Sunday, Sept. 1. Find information about upcoming programs of the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events.
Reader Comments(0)