Abercrombie was founded in 1884 in Southeastern North Dakota near the banks of the Red River of the North. It was located near the former site of a U.S. Army outpost, Fort Abercrombie, which was known as “the Gateway to the Dakotas.” Abercrombie and Lisbon became North Dakota’s first [NCTA] Trail Towns in 2021.
Fort Abercrombie was established by Lt. Colonel John J. Abercrombie in 1857 to protect the fort, nearby settlers and steamboat traffic on the Red River of the North. It withstood a six-week siege by Dakota warriors during the 1862 U.S. – Dakota War before being abandoned in 1877. It provided a crucial supply hub for steamboats and gold miners heading for Montana. Additionally, the fort was the point of origin for military supply wagon trains to Fort Totten, Fort Wadsworth, and Fort Ransom (100 trail miles west of Abercrombie). Evidence of these historic trails can be found in locations near the trail.
The fort is designated as the Abercrombie State Historic Site. The original buildings were destroyed or sold, but the Works Progress Administration (WPA) reconstructed three blockhouses and the stockade. Additionally, the WPA constructed a pavilion in the adjacent Aber Park.
In 2008, the North Dakota State Historical Society built an interpretive center, visitor center, and gift shop. Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The City of Abercrombie was founded following the abandonment of the fort. The surrounding area was settled in the 1870s, primarily by Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish immigrants. Growth was primarily driven by agriculture and railroad access.
The city remains a small, prosperous agricultural community in Richland County. Abercrombie is home to Richland 44 Elementary School, Emanuel Lutheran Church, Northland Truss Company, Red River Communications, Prairie Precision Rifle Works, Paz’s Service, Abercrombie Post Office, and the Fort Saloon.
Aber Park, Museum, Pavilion, and Campground were established in 2008 under the ownership and operation of the City of Abercrombie. There is also a splash pad that is easily accessible from the North Country Trail. Abercrombie annually celebrates its heritage (Aber Days) at the end of August with a parade, craft show, food, cavalry re-enactment program, and rodeo. If you need additional information regarding camping reservations, services, or facilities in Abercrombie, please call 701-553-8831 or 701-730-0093.
The NCTA Dakota Prairie Chapter is responsible for trail maintenance on the 100 miles from Abercrombie to the Sheyenne State Forest. The Chapter often participates in planned hikes and celebrations in Abercrombie and in Lisbon.
