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Fort Seward Photograph Collection

 File
Identifier: Photo 418

Scope and Content

The Fort Seward Photograph Collection holds only one photograph. It appears to be a copy print showing the fort visible on a bluff with tents and a river below.

Dates

  • 1871

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.

Copyrights

Photograph is in the public domain.

History

Established as a U.S. Army post 27 May 1872 by Captain John C. Bates of the 20th U.S. Infantry to provide protection for the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway. The post was situated on a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Jamestown River and Pipestone Creek. Fort Seward was a three Company post with about 120 men from the 20th U.S. Infantry stationed there. It guarded the Northern Pacific Railroad bridge crossing the James River and the railroad construction workers.



Captain John H. Patterson commanded Fort Seward from October 1873 to September 1877. It was under his command that the fort was dismantled and sent north 81 miles to Fort Totten (1). The flag was hauled down at the fort the last time at noon on 30 Sep 1877 and the troops began the march to Fort Sisseton, Dakota Territory the next day. The military reservation was transferred to the Interior Department on 14 Jul 1880 and the site fell into private hands. History copied from http://www.fortwiki.com/Fort_Seward_(1)

Extent

1 Photographic Prints (1 photographic print)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Fort Seward was a military installation in use from 1872-1877 at Jamestown, Dakota Territory, for the purpose of protecting workers building the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Provenance

Donor unknown.

Property rights

The NDSU Archives owns the property rights to this collection.
Title
Finding Aid for the Fort Seward Photograph Collection
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository

Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States