Minnesota is not the most popular state to visit, it’s actually one of the least visited states in the US but having this in mind, it still has some important historical sites. These forts are Minnesota’s historical VIPs, having seen the comings and goings of traders, soldiers, settlers, and more and in this article, we will cover some of them. From the fur-trading days of the north woods to the tumultuous times of the Dakota War, here are some of the most important historic forts in Minnesota.
History Of Historic Forts in Minnesota
Back in the day, before Minnesota was even a state, the area was a hotbed of fur trading in the 18th and 19th centuries – kind of like Silicon Valley of beavers and without the Wi-Fi. It was after this era that the early forts in Minnesota like Fort Beauharnois and Fort St. Charles started popping up along strategic trading routes. The first forts were built during the French and Indian Wars and even more were built as the US expanded westward, with the highest number of new forts coming during the US-Dakota War. Today, most of these forts are not in use anymore but are some of Minnesota’s proudest historical landmarks.
Fort Beauharnois
Tucked away in the charming embrace of Goodhue County, you’ll find the historic Fort Beauharnois, established in 1727 on the shores of Lake Pepin. It was originally a French fort, and used mostly as a fur trading post and a Catholic mission, named after Charles de Beauharnois, the Governor of New France. The fort also played a role during the French and Indian War and later became a part of the Villa Maria Conference Center, and today, it’s a historic landmark of Minnesota.
Fort L’Huillier
Fort L’Huillier, named after the French gem merchant and adventurer, Michel L’Huillier, is nestled near present-day Mankato, and being built in 1700, it’s one of Minnesota’s oldest. The idea to build a fort came thanks to Le Sueur’s big dreams of mining copper which was eventually never found (it turned out to be just green earth). But despite this unsuccessful mission and the fact that it was abandoned after a year, Fort L’Huillier made history as one of the earliest European establishments in the remote region.
Fort Saint Charles
Speaking of forts in Minnesota, we can’t forget to mention Fort Saint Charles, an 18th-century fort built by French explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes. The fort is located on Magnuson’s Island and was known for being one of the most important stops of the (then popular) French fur trade network in this part of the country. In 1736, the fort was attacked by a group of local Sioux who killed all of the fort’s inhabitants. Today, Fort Saint Charles has been transformed into historical site/open air museum to give us modern folks a glimpse into the 18th-century frontier life.
Forest City Stockade
Forest City Sotckade was built in the midst of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. The fort is located near present-day Litchfield and it wasn’t some grand fortress with cannons and moats but a rather primitive version of one (more like a DYI project but still impressive having in mind the rush-y circumstances), but technically still a fort. Think more along the lines of a DIY project with high stakes. Needless to say, after the war, the stockade’s importance fizzled out like a candle in the wind.
Fort Renville
Next on our list of forts in Minnesota, we have Fort Renville; tucked away in one of the most picturesque and remote parts of Minnesota. Originally, in the 1820s, it wasn’t even a fort in the traditional sense – no cannons, no soldiers marching around. It was more like a fur trading post, run by a chap named Joseph Renville, a man of Dakota and French-Canadian descent. Joseph had the business savvy of a Wall Street broker and the survival skills of Bear Grylls, and turned the fort into a major trading hub, kind of like the Wall Street of wilderness but he also spread Christianity so it was kind of like a mission too.
Another reason why this is a historically important site is because it became a site where the Dakota language was first put into writing.
Fort Ridgely
Constructed in 1851, the fort’s stone walls and barracks saw the worst of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Initially, Fort Ridgely’s role was to oversee the surrounding reservations and protect the settler population. During the war, the fort weathered two significant sieges but following the war, its military significance waned, and by 1867, its gates closed for the last time to U.S. soldiers.
Fort Snelling
This list of the most famous forts in Minnesota couldn’t be complete without Fort Snelling. Fort Snelling was originally established in 1820 as Fort St. Anthony but was later renamed to honor Colonel Josiah Snelling, the chap who oversaw its construction. In its heyday, Fort Snelling was the guardian of the fur trade on the northern plains and also played a pivotal role in interactions between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, sometimes acting as a mediator, other times, well, not so much.
After the Dakota War, it was used as a training facility during the Civil War, a processing point for soldiers during both World Wars, and (wait for it) as a Japanese language school during WWII.
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Fort Duquesne
Not to be confused with its much more famous name-sake, Fort Duquesne in Pennsylvania, this Minnesota fort is located near the Mississippi River, and even though it’s not one of the most important historical forts in Minnesota, it still deserves a mention on this list. Like many frontier forts of its time, it likely served a dual purpose – that of a trading post, and that of a point of contact between different cultures. Today, there are only small remnants left of the fort and since 2004, the fort is officially has been included as a part of the Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
Fort Juelson
Fort Juelson is one of my favorite hidden gems in Minnesota, a bit off the beaten path but with a story that deserves a spot in the limelight. The fort is located way off the beat in Otter Tail County and was built in the 1870s during the Battle of Little Bighorn. The fort was essentially a giant mound of earth, with a trench for good measure in a lack of time and resources to design something better. But here’s the twist – no battle ever came to Fort Juelson because the anticipated attacks by Native Americans never materialized, and the fort never saw action and over time, Fort Juelson’s role shifted from a defensive bastion to a historical landmark.
Fort Ripley
Fort Ripley is one of the most important historical forts in Minnesota. Established in 1848, Fort Ripley started off as a bit of a peacekeeper (unlike other forts on this list) during the tensions between the Ojibwe and Dakota peoples. The fort’s initial mission was to make sure the fur trade goes without interruptions and act as a buffer in the disputes, if necessary.
As the curtains closed on the fur trade era, Fort Ripley got its first makeover. During the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, it became a mobilization center for U.S. forces, after that it was a training ground for soldiers during the Civil War, and in the later years, it evolved into a state-of-the-art military training facility for the Minnesota National Guard.
Helpful Tips For Visiting The Forts In Minnesota
Dress for the Occasion: Minnesota’s weather can be a bit unpredictable, especially if you’re visiting outdoor forts. Wear comfortable, layered clothing so you can adjust to changing temperatures.
Guided Tours are Gold: If available, opt for guided tours. They’re usually led by knowledgeable guides who can share fascinating stories and little-known facts about the forts.
Footwear Matters: Expect some walking, sometimes on uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Renting a car: The forts are spread out and remote so if you want to visit more of them, you need flexibility and your best option is renting a car. You can use our Auto Europe rental car link and save up to 25% on rentals.
Flight: Grab a 10% discount on your flight with Qatar Airways through our link.
Safety First, Fun Second: As with any trip you take, it’s always better to have travel insurance and this SafetyWing travel insurance offer has you covered.
Stay and Save: Extend your historical escapade with our special Booking.com link and get 10% off on your Minnesota stay.
How did you like our list of important historic forts in Minnesota every history buff must visit? Did you ever get the chance to visit any of them? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
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