Fort Phil Kearny, Banner

Interesting, although disturbing, part of American history. The original site was burned to the ground but historians have done a nice job in identifying the layout of the fort which was only there for 2 years. The placement of Indians on horses on the top of the surrounding hill add authenticity to our experience. The film in the visitor's center was packed with info about the fort and related battles. The enthusiastic host provideeld many additional details although we found it difficult to break away from the conversation. Highly recommend a visit for anyone interested in the U.S. government / American Indian conflict during the 1800s. We also visited the nearby Federman battlesite and could envision the "sitting duck" travelers who were surrounded by rolling hills on both sides.

There are actually three sites worth visiting and all three are within a mile or two of each other. I would suggest that you begin your visit at Fort Phil Kearny. While the fort was only staffed and in use for a few years it was an important site on the Bozeman Trail. I started my visit at the small gift shop and had the opportunity to talk with the gentleman who was staffing it. He was very friendly and very knowledgeable about the history of the area. His knowledge only enhanced my visit. The is nothing left of the original fort but as you walk the grounds you can get a true picture of the layout by reading the storyboards that are place throughout the site. While talking to the gentleman at the gift shop he also directed me to two other important historical sites. The first was the “Portugee” Phillips Monument near the entrance to the Fort. The Story of John “Portugee” Phillips is little known but an amazing one. He also told me a brief story about the Fetterman Massacre and gave me directions to the nearby Fetterman Monument. I would strongly suggest that you start Your visit t at Fort Phil Kearny before visiting the other two sites. My visit all three sites took me about an hour and a half. I now have a clearer picture of the history or the Bozeman Trail and what we know today as Red Clouds War.