FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 12, 2007

Contact: Mark Sundlov

(701) 572-9034

CEMETERY WALK AT FORT BUFORD STATE HISTORIC SITE OCTOBER 27

WILLISTON – Youngsters of all ages will have the chance to visit with some “ghostly” former residents of Fort Buford during an evening walk through the old fort cemetery Saturday, October 27, beginning at 7 p.m.

Reenactors will portray past residents of Fort Buford, including an officer’s wife, a laundress, a scout, soldiers and a civilian of nearby Fort Union Trading Post. The walk will last about 45 minutes, followed by refreshments at the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center. The Confluence Center’s museum store will also be open for business.

Visitors should wear clothing and shoes appropriate to the weather. Visitors are also welcome to bring flashlights. There is no admission charge.

Fort Buford was established as a military post in 1866 to guard the trails west and serve as a major supply depot, functioning until 1895. When the fort was decommissioned in 1895, it included more than 100 buildings and structures. Today, in addition to the Field Officer’s Quarters where Sitting Bull surrendered in 1881, only two other original buildings remain – the Officer-of-the-Day Building and the stone powder magazine. The nearby fort cemetery also still exists. During its 29-year history, Fort Buford was expanded twice – in 1867, using materials taken from the old Fort Union Trading Post site two miles west, and again in 1871. The state acquired the Fort Buford property as a state historic site on June 22, 1931. Today, the site encompasses approximately 189 acres, including Confluence Park, where the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is located.

Located one-half mile east of Fort Buford, the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center tells the story of the confluence of these two mighty rivers, as well as provides the same magnificent view that Lewis and Clark Expedition members enjoyed when they visited in 1805 and 1806. It is open year-round. Its winter hours are now in effect, and are Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Central Time. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is $5 per adult, $2.50 per child, ages 6-15, and children 5 and under are admitted free.

For more information, contact Fort Buford State Historic Site Supervisor Mark Sundlov at (701) 572-9034.

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