Fort Buford State Historic Site [ND]

Description

Fort Buford State Historic Site preserves remnants of a vital frontier plains military post. Fort Buford was built in 1866 near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers, and became a major supply depot for military field operations. Original features still existing on the site include a stone powder magazine, the post cemetery site, and a large officers' quarters building which now houses a museum. Fort Buford, located near present-day Williston, was one of a number of military posts established to protect overland and river routes used by immigrants settling the West. While it served an essential role as the sentinel on the northern plains for 19 years, it is probably best remembered as the place where the famous Hunkpapa Sioux leader, Sitting Bull, surrendered in 1881.

The site offers a short film, tours, exhibits, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site [WY]

Description

At the Fort location the visitor will find an interpretive center with exhibits, videos, and self-guided tours of the fort and outlying sites. The fort tour leads the visitor through the site to building locations, archaeological remains, and interpretive signs pinpointing the surrounding historic landmarks. A Civilian Conservation Corp Cabin has been refurbished to depict the quarters of an Officer's wife and a Non-Commissioned Officer's Quarters. The two satellite sites of Fort Phil Kearny are the Fetterman Fight and the Wagon Box Fight battlefields. Maps to the sites and interpretation are available at the Visitor Center. At both battlefields, the visitor will find an interpretive trail which leads through the battle providing both Indian and White perspectives of the conflict. The visitor can go to the actual locations of the skirmish lines and Indian charges and see the weapons and personnel involved.

A second website for this site can be found here.

The site offers short films, exhibits, tours, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Apple River Fort State Historic Site

Description

The Apple River Fort was the site of an important battle during the Black Hawk War. It was the only fort attacked by Black Hawk during the turbulent summer of 1832. On June 24, 1832, the settlers at the fort turned back an attack by some 200 Sauk and Fox warriors led by Black Hawk. The war, which lasted only 16 weeks, ended the threat of Indian attacks in the area and opened the region to further settlement. Many notable men participated in the Black Hawk War including a young Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, and General Winfield Scott. Abraham Lincoln and his militia company arrived at the fort the day after the battle. Today, the fort has been reconstructed and is open for self-guided tours. Special events throughout the year highlight many aspects of life in Jo Daviess County in 1832. Exhibits at the Interpretive Center, on the trail, and at the fort tell the story of the Sauk and Fox, the early settlers, and the conflict that became known as the Black Hawk War.

The site offers exhibits and occasional recreational and educational events.

Fulkerson Mansion and Farm Museum [IL]

Description

The Fulkerson Mansion and Farm Museum presents the cattle farm—Hazy Dell—and Southern-style Victorian mansion which became the home of Lt. Colonel William H. Fulkerson after his stint with the Confederate Army. Hazel Dell is virtually unchanged today; and the Farm Museum contains many rare agricultural items and equipment with emphasis on farm steam traction engines—utilized for plowing the prairie, threshing grain, and for powering early sawmills. The museum features Reeves steam engines and plows, while the 1866 mansion is furnished with antiques and artifacts of the period, with a special display of the Fulkerson's personal Civil War items, Lafayette Baker's Civil War artifacts, and the Thomas Lincoln Anvil. The building is in an Italianate style—with a low pitched roof and tall, narrow windows—popular between the 1850s and 1880s.

The site offers exhibits and tours of the mansion.

Palmer Lake Historical Society [CO]

Description

The Palmer Lake Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Palmer Lake, Monument, and the Palmer Divide. The society owns and operates a local history museum, and also is active in the preservation of the Crawford Memorial, a memorial to a Medal of Honor recipient from the town of Palmer Lake.

The society offers walking tours of Palmer Lake and Monument, exhibits, and presentations in the society museum. The website offers visitor information and a brief history of the area.

Villa Louis [WI]

Description

Villa Louis is the Victorian home of one of Wisconsin's most wealthy families. Today, visitors can explore the entire estate, from the mansion to the estate's outbuildings. In addition to the historic estate, the current park contains a museum that chronicles the history of the fur trade.

The estate offers guided tours, field trip plans which can be catered to different grades, and a visitor center that serves as a museum of the estate. The website offers an extensive virtual tour of the estate, visitor information, and a brief history of the estate.

Troutdale Historical Society [OR]

Description

The Troutdale Historical Society owns and operates three museums in the Troutdale region. The Barn Museum and Harlow House are historical house museums that are open by appointment. The Rail Depot showcases the history of the railroad next to Troutdale and also serves as a more general local history museum.

The society offers guided tours of the Barn and Harlow House Museums, as well as special presentations and exhibits in the Rail Depot. The website offers visitor information, online versions of the society newsletter, and an events calendar.

Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County [PA]

Description

The Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County seeks to preserve and share the history of Indiana County, Pennsylvania. To this end, the society operates a museum and a research library. Exhibit topics include Native American life, farm life, historical medicine, and coal mining.

The society offers exhibits and library access. There is a nominal fee for library use by individuals who are not society members.

Rose Hill Manor Park and Children's Museum [MD]

Description

Rose Hill Manor Park and Children's Museum is a hands-on rural history museum designed specifically for elementary school students. Collection highlights include more than 20 historic carriages and sleighs. Displays include a historic kitchen, broom shop, and carpentry shop, as well as a steam tractor and information on pork butchering. The residence on site was completed in 1792.

The museum offers period rooms, exhibits, scout programs, and tours led by costumed interpreters. Tours meet state educational standards. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. The website offers pre- and post-visit activities.

Traverse des Sioux Historic Site [MN]

Description

The Traverse des Sioux location was a meeting place and crossroads for centuries, and was frequented by American Indians and European fur traders and farmers. In 1850, with the passing of a treaty in 1851 the land at Traverse des Sioux became open to the public. Within a year, a booming town was located on the site, with a population of over 300. Less than two decades later, another town was chosen as the county seat, and nothing was left of Traverse des Sioux.

The Historic Site offers self guided tours and hiking. The website offers a brief history of the location and visitor information.