This military post was established June 12, 1867 in NE 1/4 Sec. 10-147-85, Stevenson Twp., as New Fort Berthold, but on July 9, 1867 the name was changed by the War Department to Fort Stevenson, honoring Brig. Gen. Thomas Greely Stevenson, who was killed may 12, 1864 at the battle of Spottsylvania in VA. Philippe Regis Denis de Kerendon de Trobriand (1816-1897), a native of France, was made the post commander, with Lt. Col. A.M. Powell and Capt. John Platt as his assistants. The post office was established April 30, 1873 with Julius Schmidt pm. The military abandoned this post August 7, 1883 turning it over to the Fort Berthold Indian Agency August 31, 1883. The post office closed October 26, 1883 with mail to Bismarck. It operated 1850-1894 under civilian control. Fort Stephenson is an erroneous spelling.

This military post was abandoned on August 7, 1883, and on August 31, 1883 turned over to the Fort Berthold Indian Agency, after which it was an important community center on the reservation for a number of years. The post office was established February 10, 1885 with  Frank B. Wells pm. The 1890 census reported 125 residents, but a decline began shortly afterwards. The post office closed December 18, 1894 with mail to Coal Harbor. The site remained on maps as Old Fort Stevenson into the 1920's. It was inundated by Lake Sakakawea in the 1950's  but the name is remembered as a state park south of Garrison.

Churches

Historical, Genealogical and Ethnic Events

Photographs

Personal and Community Stories about this Area