| Summary: | Tipis, Indians and traders gathered over large open grounds with Fort Union in the background. Lithographs; Color images; 21 x 29 cm. ""U.S.P.R.R. EXP & SURVEYS 47 & 49 PARALLELS.; GENERAL REPORT - PLATE XVI.; Stanley del.; J. Bien N.Y. lith.; FORT UNION AND DISTRIBUTION OF GOODS TO THE ASSINIBORNS. "" - Printed on front of lithograph. J"Fort Union is situated on the eastern bank of the Missouri river, about - miles above the mouth of the Yellowstone. It was built by the American Fur Company in 18--, and has from that time been the principal supply store, or depot, of that company. It is framed of pickets of hewn timber, -- feet high, and has two bastions, one at the northwest and one at the southeast corner. the front, or main entrance, is on the side opposite the river. This fort is probably 250 feet square. The main buildings, comprising the residence of the superintendent and the store, are on the front, or eastern side. They are two stories high, and built of wood. the shops and dwellings of the blacksmith, the gunsmith, the carpenter, the shoemaker, the tailor, and others, are of adobe or wood, and occupy the other sides. these mechanics are mostly French half-breeds, and have half-freed or Indian wives, and many children. There is a grassy plain around and near the fort, extending to the base of the rising ground, which is a full mile distant on the eastern side. The Assiniboines, the Gros Ventres, the Crows, and other migratory bands of Indians, trade at this fort, exchanging the skins of the buffalo, deer, and other animals, for such commodities as they require. Mr. Culbertson, who has occupied the position of chief agent of the company during the past twenty years, has under his supervision not only Fort Union, but Forts Pierre and Benton also. He is a man of great energy, intelligence, and fidelity, and possesses the entire confidence of the Indians. His wife, a full-blood Indian of the Blood band of the Blackfoot tribe, is also deservedly held in high estimation. Though she appears to have made little or no progress in our language, she has acquired the manners and adapted herself to the usages of the white race with singular facility. Their children have been sent to the States to be educated in our best schools" - Pages 70-71 from accompanying text. Title from caption. The name Assiniboines is mis-spelled in the caption title.
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