History revised
Kent Luetzen
CORA LAPOKTA, 6
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CHERYL DES JARLAIS AND HUSBAND
Kent Luetzen
Will Abbot examines a weapon.
Kent Luetzen
Phil Peck teaches children how to braid a rope.
Kent Luetzen
A building stands at the historic Fort Connah site.
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
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Historical re-enactments of the fur traders’ lifestyles were a blast from the past at Fort Connah near St. Ignatius.
Donna Peck, who was spinning and weaving wool as a demonstration, was dressed head-to-toe in a settler’s outfit.
“I love the history here,” Peck said. “This is living history and it is important that kids get to see how people used to live.”
Fort Connah was planned in 1846 by Neil McArthur and finished a year later by Angus McDonald for the Hudson’s Bay Company. The Post was used as an important link between forts on both sides of the Rockies. Furs, dried buffalo meat, rawhide cords, and saddle blankets were just a few of the goods Fort Connah had to offer.
In 1871, after the northern boundary of the United States was established, Fort Connah had to close their doors because HBC, a Canadian company, could not be tolerated in the U.S.
Now, Fort Connah is in the early stage of development as a historic reconstruction of the Rocky Mountain Fur Trade Period. Chairman of the Fort Connah Restoration Society Joe McDonald has a connection to this land.
“My great-grandfather Angus is a huge reason his place exists,” McDonald said.
McDonald has big plans to carry on his family legacy and hopes Fort Connah can become a staple to the Mission Valley.
“We want to have a place where people can come and learn about the impact the fur trade had in this area and country,” McDonald said. “Fur trading was one of the first organized industries in this country.”
This past weekend parents and kids enjoyed historical activities like digging for arrowheads, learning how to shoot a bow and arrow, and braiding leather, while also learning the history of the Post. Metis fiddlers Cheryl Des Jarlais and her husband were playing old-fashioned songs while the re-enactment took place.
“It is fun to dress up in this time period clothing and play music,” Des Jarlais said. “I enjoy all the authentic clothing.”
Fort Connah can go under radar for even locals, according to first time visitor Sheryl Mink.
“We have been living here for years and didn’t know this place existed,” Mink said. “It is a hidden treasure.”
Located 6 miles north of St. Ignatius, Fort Connah is at the foot of the Mission Range of the Rocky Mountains.
“It is so gorgeous and the history is amazing,” Mink said. “I will definitely be coming back, now that I know it exists.”
Currently, Fort Connah holds bi-annual historical re-enactments of the fur traders’ lifestyle in May and September. If you would like to participate or want more information, call Tammy Steindorf at 406-644-2882 or Carolyn Corey at 406-745-4336.
