Earthen fortification built by emigrants and soldiers during a 14-day siege in 1864, preserving visible sod walls, wagon ruts, and burial sites from a dramatic chapter of frontier history.

How to Get There

From Medora, ND (78 mi): Take I-94 E to Exit 36 for ND-85 S toward Bowman. Continue south on ND-85, then turn east on 68th St SW and follow signs to Fort Dilts Rd near Rhame.

Overview

The Fort Dilts State Historic Site commemorates a harrowing episode in the westward expansion of the United States. In September 1864, a wagon train led by Captain James L. Fisk was besieged by Hunkpapa Lakota warriors while en route to the Montana gold fields. The emigrants and their small military escort hastily constructed a circular sod fortification, six and a half feet high and 300 feet in diameter, to withstand the 14-day siege. Named in honor of Corporal Jefferson Dilts, who died during the attack, the site preserves the original sod walls, wagon ruts, and burial sites, offering a rare and powerful glimpse into frontier survival and conflict.

Today, visitors to the site can walk the perimeter of the historic fort, view interpretive signage, and reflect on the resilience of those who endured the siege. The site remains largely undisturbed, with minimal modern intrusions, allowing for an authentic and contemplative experience. Located in the rolling prairie near Rhame, North Dakota, Fort Dilts is a poignant destination for history enthusiasts, offering insight into the tensions and trials of westward migration during a volatile period in American history.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Fort Dilts State Historic Site, which are released under the

Plazak, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted