Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site was created on June 20, 1966, to commemorate the significant role played by Fort Union as a fur trading post on the Upper Missouri River. As a National Historic Site and unit of the National Park Service, Fort Union shares the Park Service mission as well as its historic significance.

National Park Service Mission Statement

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources of the national park system for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Fort Union Trading Post's Historic Significance

Fort Union was the most important fur trading post on the upper Missouri, 1828-1867. Here Native American tribes-Assiniboine, Crow, Cree, Ojibway, Blackfeet and Hidatsa-traded buffalo robes and other furs for trade goods such as beads, guns, blankets, knives, kettles and cloth. Fort Union was a center of economic and social exchange between Euro-Americans and the Plains Tribes.