Fort Buford Sixth Infantry Re-prints "Sagas of the Smoky Water" by Ben Innis

Williston, ND – The Fort Buford Sixth Infantry Regimental Association, in coordination with help from the Innis family, and Friends of Fort Union/ Buford, are thrilled to announce the release of the highly anticipated re-printed book, "Sagas of the Smoky Water: True Stories Reflecting Historical Aspects of the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Region, 1805-1910" by the late-Ben Innis.

The book was first published by a group of volunteers to celebrate Williston's Centennial in 1987. "Sagas of the Smoky Water" takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence region, an area renowned for its vibrant history and cultural significance. Author Ben Innis expertly weaves together the stories of indigenous tribes, European explorers, fur traders, soldiers, and settlers, providing a comprehensive and engaging portrait of this fascinating region.

"We are incredibly excited to share Ben Innis's 'Sagas of the Smoky Water' with readers," said Ben Gjorven, Fort Buford 6th Infantry president. "This book provides a thorough and captivating exploration of the Confluence region, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf."

"Sagas of the Smoky Water" is now available for purchase at the following locations:

- Smoky Water Press

- Books on Broadway, Williston, ND

- Western Edge Books, Medora, ND

- Fort Union Association/ Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

- Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center/ Fort Buford State Historic Site

- Heritage Center Gift Shop in Bismarck, ND

- Page Turners, Fairview, MT

- Long X Visitor Center, Watford City, ND

- Main Street Books, Minot, ND

The re-published book includes a new foreword by Ben Innis's wife, Jane. "Ben Innis's meticulous research and engaging storytelling make "Sagas of the Smoky Water" a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence area. This book is a valuable resource for both historians and general readers alike. We cannot thank the Innis family enough alllowing us to reprint this timeless classic," said Brandon Delvo, "Sagas" of the Fort Buford Sixth Infantry board member and project coordinator.

About the Author: Ben Innis, Jr. was a prominent researcher, historian, and promoter of the history-rich Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence region. Born in Wolf Point, MT, in 1920, Innis moved to Williston, ND, as a child. After service in World War II, Ben returned to Williston where he had a long career in local radio and television news. Innis founded the Fort Buford Sixth Infantry Regimental Association in 1962, and led the unit as the official North Dakota delegation to the New York World's Fair in 1964. He later organized the Fort Union-Fort Buford Council, and spearheaded successful efforts to place Fort Union Trading Post in the National Park System. The author of numerous stories, journal articles, and historical booklets, Innis is widely remembered for is 1973 publication, "Bloody Knife: Custer's Favorite Scout". Ben Innis died in Williston on April 9, 1985, as "Sagas of the Smoky Water" was in final production.

Fort Buford Sixth Infantry Regimental Association: The Fort Buford Sixth Infantry has been a living history organization that is dedicated to preserving the history of the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Area and the history of the common soldier that was stationed at Fort Buford throughout the fort's history from 1866-1895. The Sixth Infantry has been involved in numerous living history and historical education events throughout its history. It remains active in community events throughout the year with events at Fort Buford State Historic Site and others in the Confluence Region.