Fort Sully (South Dakota)

Fort Sully was one of the main military posts located on the east bank of the Missouri River in central Dakota built for use in the Indian Wars.

It was located about eighty rods from the left (east) bank of the Missouri River, a short distance above the head of Farm Island and about four and one-half miles southeast of what is now the city of Pierre, South Dakota.

[3] Troops in the Department of the Northwest, Maj.-Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, Commanding, District of Iowa, Northwestern Indian Expedition under Brig.-Gen. Alfred Sully:[4] Treaty between, the United States of America and the Yanktonai Band of Dakota or Sioux Indians.

The Yanktonai band of Dakota or Sioux Indians, represented in council, hereby acknowledge themselves to be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction and authority of The United States, and hereby obligate and bind themselves, individually and collectively, not only to cease all hostilities against the persons and property of its citizens, but to use their influence, and, if requisite, physical force, to prevent other bands of Dakota Indians, or other adjacent tribes, from making hostile demonstrations against the Government or people of The United States.

The post was about halfway between the head of navigation (Fort Benton) and the mouth of the Missouri, and is 1,480 miles (2,380 km) above St. Louis.

On the south the surface slopes rapidly into a deep ravine, dry, except in early spring.

On the west the descent is abrupt to the second terrace, a strip one hundred yards wide, on which are the stables, granary, saw-mill, smithy, interpreter's house, tavern, etc.

Still further below was the river bottom, of varying width, frequently subject to overflow, moderately well timbered and very fertile.

They are built of cottonwood logs, covered with pine siding, are lathed and plastered, the ceilings being 12 feet (3.7 m) high.

The experiment was tried for one company of removing the partitions and throwing the small rooms into one, but it was thought that this weakened the building too much.

[9] For officers' quarters there are nine detached frame buildings, built of pine, on brick foundations, with collars underneath.

February 14, Company A was transferred to Fort Bennett, temporarily, for quarters, arriving at the latter post on the same day.