Ft. Dilts Historical Site
|  Video
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| Andrew Keller |
| 5/28/2009 |
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| There are many known treasures spread throughout North Dakota, that attract many people to them every year. However, there are hidden gems most people might not recognize. Fort Dilts. Ever heard of it? According to site supervisor Dee Linn, many people are uninformed of the historical site near Rhame. But she says the hidden gem`s historical significance would intrigue any history buff. "Its claim to fame is it`s the only site that it`s documented that they circled the wagons for an Indian attack," says Linn. Here`s the history of this place in short: In 1864, a group of emigrants packed up their wagons and headed west. Fifty calvary men were sent to protect the group. The convoy decided to take an alternate route, through the Dakotas, and its here they were surrounded by Sioux Indians. To protect themselves, they created a fort and stayed there 14 days. Several civilians were killed, and eight calvary men died, including Jefferson Dilts. "You know, you watch Western movies and stuff, and they say they circled the wagons, but this is where it`s documented where it`s actually happened," Linn says. When Linn came out to Fort Dilts this spring, she had a surprise. The road that was really muddy, full of ruts, and nearly impassable was newly graveled. She says this will make the accessibility to the site much better. "I was really shocked when we pulled in because we never had a parking area or a good road coming in here, and it`s just so nice people can come out no matter the weather now." Linn says it`s a road that paves the way to a hidden historical gem. Dickinson High School welding class recently welded a new sign at the entrance of the site. Linn says the site is pretty easy to find. She says it`s west of Rhame off of Highway 12, and there are signs that will take you to the site. |
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