Fort History Con't ...

The center portion of one of the buildings became a saloon after 1874 operated by one of Fort Benton’s more notorious characters, Sol Abbott. The saloon was the scene of a shoot out that saw several men killed, and one, Fred Kanouse had to be taken by wagon to the nearest doctor in Montana to have a bullet removed from his arm. Next to the saloon was a kitchen and bedroom. The kitchen served meals for all who worked at the Fort and the bedroom was occupied by the Fort cook, George Bell.

In the northwest corner, a well was located.  Trading was primarily a winter activity. Robes and hides were of the greatest worth during the winter when the fur was thick and the skin free of insects. Furs were baled and stored in a cellar to await shipment. Because the fur trade took place in the winter months, conditions were rough and the men had few luxuries. Designed for defense, the traders had well water,  food in the cellars and walls to protect them. Click here to continue to part III about the History of Fort Whoop-Up..