Our Story
The Mission of The Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation has always been to take an active role in tourism promotion and development in North Dakota.
Forty years after local settlers dismantled Fort Lincoln for wood and nails, the federal Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) came to restore that important piece of history. From 1934-38, the CCC built blockhouses and earthlodges, fieldstone buildings and palisades, and considered but did not rebuild the Custer House. In the 1950s, a local group of historians and business people tried again, but failed. The idea didn't go away.
In 1982, in the old Lewis and Clark Hotel in Mandan, the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation was formed. Its mission was to promote and manage the reconstruction, development and promotion of Fort Abraham Lincoln and other state parks and historic sites in North Dakota. By 1989, they opened the doors to the reconstructed Custer House, with the uniformed 7th Cavalry troopers guiding visitors on a time-trip to 1875.
At 30 years of age, the foundation is a publicly supported, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions. After restoring the last home of George and Libbie Custer; the foundation rebuilt the Commissary, Granary, Central Barracks and Mess Hall, and a 7th Cavalry Stable. The Foundation developed the region's finest living history interpretive program for Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It also completely restored six Mandan Indian earthlodges and part of the village palisade. The foundation filled the lodges with furnishings and displays related to the lifestyles of the Mandan Indians at On-a-Slant Village. A beautiful new cedar bridge was built, making the village handicapped accessible. Most recently, in June 2006, the foundation unveiled the new Mandan Wing in the park Visitor Center.
The foundation developed and continues to manage Five Nations Arts, an outlet for American Indian artists to sell handcrafted artwork.
Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation also owns and operates The Post, located 2.5 miles south of Mandan on Highway 1806. The Post has a historic atmosphere and comes complete with its very own pioneer town. This is a perfect setting for family reunions, Christmas parties, weddings and receptions and much more. Enjoy the beautiful backyard with picnic tables in a fenced courtyard flanked by historical buildings.
We operate the Lewis & Clark Riverboat, which continues the proud tradition of the Missouri River steamers at the Port of Bismarck. We offer an adventure on the mighty Missouri from May thru September, with charters, bus tours, reunions, business meetings and weddings. If you have a date in mind for a company charter, family event, wedding reception, school outing or reunion, please call get in touch with us! We'll reserve your special date and arrange your cruise.
Forty years after local settlers dismantled Fort Lincoln for wood and nails, the federal Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) came to restore that important piece of history. From 1934-38, the CCC built blockhouses and earthlodges, fieldstone buildings and palisades, and considered but did not rebuild the Custer House. In the 1950s, a local group of historians and business people tried again, but failed. The idea didn't go away.
In 1982, in the old Lewis and Clark Hotel in Mandan, the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation was formed. Its mission was to promote and manage the reconstruction, development and promotion of Fort Abraham Lincoln and other state parks and historic sites in North Dakota. By 1989, they opened the doors to the reconstructed Custer House, with the uniformed 7th Cavalry troopers guiding visitors on a time-trip to 1875.
At 30 years of age, the foundation is a publicly supported, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions. After restoring the last home of George and Libbie Custer; the foundation rebuilt the Commissary, Granary, Central Barracks and Mess Hall, and a 7th Cavalry Stable. The Foundation developed the region's finest living history interpretive program for Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It also completely restored six Mandan Indian earthlodges and part of the village palisade. The foundation filled the lodges with furnishings and displays related to the lifestyles of the Mandan Indians at On-a-Slant Village. A beautiful new cedar bridge was built, making the village handicapped accessible. Most recently, in June 2006, the foundation unveiled the new Mandan Wing in the park Visitor Center.
The foundation developed and continues to manage Five Nations Arts, an outlet for American Indian artists to sell handcrafted artwork.
Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation also owns and operates The Post, located 2.5 miles south of Mandan on Highway 1806. The Post has a historic atmosphere and comes complete with its very own pioneer town. This is a perfect setting for family reunions, Christmas parties, weddings and receptions and much more. Enjoy the beautiful backyard with picnic tables in a fenced courtyard flanked by historical buildings.
We operate the Lewis & Clark Riverboat, which continues the proud tradition of the Missouri River steamers at the Port of Bismarck. We offer an adventure on the mighty Missouri from May thru September, with charters, bus tours, reunions, business meetings and weddings. If you have a date in mind for a company charter, family event, wedding reception, school outing or reunion, please call get in touch with us! We'll reserve your special date and arrange your cruise.
Your support is greatly appreciated! To give to the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, please contact our home office at 701-663-4758 or e-mail Aaron@fortlincoln.org. You may also visit our Membership Page. For your safety please do not e-mail credit card numbers. If you would like to use a credit card, please contact our office. Send monetary donations to:
Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation
Attn. Memberships
401 West Main Street
Mandan, ND 58554
Thanks for your support.
Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation
Attn. Memberships
401 West Main Street
Mandan, ND 58554
Thanks for your support.
