The past came alive once more in May 2009, revealing more than four decades of combined cultural efforts to restore Fort Connah, one of Montana’s oldest known structures.

Holding its own against the ravages of mountain weather and time since 1847, the original Hudson Bay Company post, built by Neil McArthur and Angus McDonald, sits about a half mile off present day highway 93 near Post Creek. At first glance, the hand-hewn log cabin looks all but abandoned by surrounding cattle pasture.

Closer inspection reveals that the well-crafted and solid structure is now supported by a new foundation and topped with fresh shake. Two more buildings have suddenly appeared and, for a moment, one might think the Hudson Bay Company has returned, resuming business once again. But those ghostly effects are made by today’s living- the Fort Connah Restoration Society, an organization formed in 1975, in an attempt to preserve this unique relic of Montana’s history.

Given the beautiful sunny spring morning beneath the splendor of the Mission Mountains, the reenactment set for this commemoration - complete with costumes and all the trappings of a mid-1800’s post - were all in place as the Hudson Bay Company flag was raised.

Trader’s tents mingled with tipis, all offering blankets of goods. Deft hands operated a spinning wheel that spun yarn, next to a new, but very convincing “antique” counter in the post. A demonstration of antique arms was held, alongside displays of primitive hide-making techniques.

Shots and cheers sounded from the black powder range - until called by the percussion of native drumming. The bagpipes struck up then, led by a contingent of flag bearers representing nations from across the Crown of the Continent.

Just as Angus McDonald did with the native tribes some 160 years ago, much of the work here consisted of combined cultural efforts. Land swaps and easements not only resurrected Fort Connah, but reunited ties of friendship and goodwill between neighbors and locals. There was more than the feeling of a job well done among those who gathered at the opening of Fort Connah. When tribal elder Joe McDonald presented a blanket honoring George Knapp’s work as a central figure in the restoration, that handshake meant more than just a thank you.

Emotions ran higher as Wyman McDonald stood before the post doorway and related tales of Fort Connah and his ancestors. Some of those pages were surely hard to talk about for the McDonald ancestry spans two separate continents and cultures --yet both hold hauntingly similar fates.

McDonald’s heritage rose from the clearances in Scotland, while his wife saw the subjugation of Native Americans. Angus’ children forged through the current of centuries, carrying this community through many hazards, yet Wyman encouraged peaceful navigation toward the future. This message was not lost on the couple hundred folk in attendance, as neighbors, friends and families shared in the results of this unique community effort.

The site is universally open to the public from the highway where an interpretive sign hangs, but talk flew about a visitor’s center and a museum, as well as staffing the site through volunteer efforts. Given the accomplishments visible today, that future doesn't seem so far-fetched.

By the end of the opening event, talk amongst good friends was of next year… an annual event… or perhaps sooner, say, in the fall…

Fort Connah Restoration Society

Easy

all

None Provided

Free