As the Northern Pacific Railroad advanced west across Dakota Territory, the US military kept pace. When the railroad reached the Missouri River in 1872, Fort McKeen was established on the west bank of the river as a small infantry post. In November of that year, Fort McKeen was renamed Fort Abraham Lincoln.   

Fort Abraham Lincoln was expanded to house six companies of the 7th Cavalry under the command of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer in 1873. Their mission was to further the advancement of the Northern Pacific Railroad and guarantee the westward expansion of the American frontier.

By 1874, Fort Abraham Lincoln was the largest and most important fort in Dakota Territory, housing a combined 650 cavalry and infantry soldiers. The fort was also the starting point of the 1874 Black Hills Expedition undertaken to confirm rumors of gold in the area.

May 17, 1876, the troops left Fort Lincoln on the Centennial Campaign, which took the 7th Cavalry into the valley of the Little Big Horn. They were attempting to force non-treaty Indians back to their respective reservations. Outnumbered, outgunned, and out-maneuvered, over 260 men were killed during the ensuing battle, including all five of Custer's companies.

In 1883, the cavalry was detached to Fort Meade, in present-day South Dakota, the NPRR was completed to Montana, and Fort Abraham Lincoln’s importance declined. The post was officially abandoned in 1891 by order of Congress. Fort Abraham Lincoln and General Custer’s 7th Cavalry would leave a lasting legacy for years to come.

Today, visitors can relive what Fort Abraham Lincoln was like for General Custer and his command in 1875. We invite you to take a step “back to 1875“ as uniformed soldiers and laundresses conduct living history guided tours through the reconstructed Custer House and Central Barracks.  Come out to Fort Abraham Lincoln and relive the legacy!