Fort Benton is located in the state of Montana and has a lot of culture to offer as well as great sights and interesting destinations. So if you’re planning a trip to Fort Benton, you’ve come to the right place!
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Vacation in Fort Benton
Fort Benton is a town in and the county seat of Chouteau County, Montana, United States. The town is named after Thomas Hart Benton, a Missouri Senator who helped promote the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. Fort Benton was once the “last stop” on the Missouri River, a primary route for transport during the days of the American frontier. Fort Benton is near the head of navigation on the Missouri River, which was the main route for traffic and trade up and down the river from the 1820s until the 1860s. The fort was founded in 1846 as a fur trading post by John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company.
Today, Fort Benton is a quaint town with a population of just over 3,500 people. It is located on the Great Plains of Montana, near the Rocky Mountains. The town is home to many historical buildings and sites, as well as a variety of outdoor activities.
There are a number of places to stay in Fort Benton, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and RV parks. There are also a number of campgrounds located in the surrounding area.
There are a variety of things to do in Fort Benton and the surrounding area. Visitors can tour the Fort Benton Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district includes a number of restored 19thcentury buildings, including the original fort walls and the old jail. The Frontier Gateway Museum is another popular attraction. The museum features exhibits on the history of the town, the Lewis and Clark expedition, the fur trade, and the Native American tribes of the area.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a number of activities in Fort Benton and the surrounding area. The town is located on the Missouri River, offering opportunities for fishing, rafting, and canoeing. There are also numerous hiking and biking trails in the area. Golfers can play at theJunction Bridge Golf Course.
Fort Benton is a great place to enjoy a relaxing vacation or an outdoor adventure. There is something for everyone in this historic town.
Sights in Fort Benton
Welcome to Fort Benton, Montana – a place rich in history, scenic wonders, and outdoor recreation. Located along the majestic Missouri River, Fort Benton is known as the “Birthplace of Montana” and is the state’s oldest continually inhabited community.
This charming city offers a wealth of things to see and do, from exploring the many historic landmarks to enjoying the great outdoors. Read on to learn more about the top sights and attractions in Fort Benton.
One of the most popular things to do in Fort Benton is to visit the various historic landmarks and buildings. The city is home to over 60 such sites, including the original fort buildings, which date back to the 1850s.
Other notable landmarks include the Grand Union Hotel (the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi River), the Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump (a prehistoric buffalo hunting site), and the Lewis and Clark Memorial Fountain.
For those interested in the arts, Fort Benton is also home to a number of galleries and museums, including the Rehder Fine Arts Gallery, the Montana Heritage Center, and the Fort Benton Museum of Frontier Montana.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Fort Benton as well. The city is situated along the Missouri River, making it a great place for activities like fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
There are also several parks located within the city limits, such as Riverside Park and Centennial Park, both of which offer scenic views and opportunities for picnicking and hiking.
No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love in Fort Benton. This historic Montana city offers a little something for everyone.
History of Fort Benton
Fort Benton is a city located in the state of Montana in the United States. The city is the county seat of Chouteau County and is part of the Great Falls, Montana Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The city is named after Manuel Lisa, a Spanish trader who established a fort at the site in 1846. Lisa had been hired by the American Fur Company to set up a trading post at the confluence of the Missouri and Judith Rivers. The fort became a major outpost of the fur trade and was an important stop on the northbound Yellowstone River steamboat route.
By 1860, Fort Benton was the largest settlement in Montana with a population of over 500. The city was the terminus of the Mullan Road, the first wagon road to cross the Rocky Mountains. It was also the starting point of the Pony Express and the Overland Stage.
In 1865, the city was the site of the largest inland maritime disaster in North America when the steamship Gallatin exploded while moored at the docks.
During the 1870s and 1880s, Fort Benton was a bustling cowtown with several thousand head of cattle being shipped out each year. The city was also the site of several large copper mines.
In 1887, the Great Falls of the Missouri River were discovered just upstream from the city. The Falls quickly became a major tourist attraction and helped to boost the city’s economy.
The Railroad Era began in 1887 with the arrival of the Milwaukee Road. Fort Benton became an important shipping point for grain, livestock, and other products.
The city entered a decline in the early 20th century as railroads bypassed the city and the local mines began to play out. The population dwindled to less than 1,000 by the 1950s.
Fort Benton has since reinvented itself as a historic tourist destination. The city’s historic downtown district is home to several restaurants, shops, and galleries. The Old Fort Benton State Historic Site is a popular attraction, as are the nearby Great Falls of the Missouri River.
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