Fort Snelling
Fort Snelling is a popular tourist attraction in Minnesota, but it was once a vital military establishment. While the military necessity of the outpost faded as the frontier moved west, Fort Snelling is still a popular destination for history buffs and nature lovers. The modern fort has guided tours, nature trails, and other items of interest.
The fledgling United States first came into control of the vast forested area that is now Minnesota after the Revolutionary War and the Louisiana Purchase. The early inhabitants of the region were made up mostly of fur trappers and Native Americans who remained loyal to the British crown. For a number of years after acquiring the territory, the American government, more interested in securing the frontier and dealing with the still very real threat posed by British naval forces, left the land to its pre-existing inhabitants. However, after the War of 1812, it was decided that America should exert its national identity by restricting commercial access to the regions waterways for American citizens only. Such a feat, of course, required a military presence. Fort Snelling was founded to serve that purpose.
For years, Fort Snelling remained a meeting place between an increasing American population and existing natives. As the frontier moved westward, Fort Snelling became less useful as a military outpost. It served for some time as a training facility, seeing a great deal of use during the civil war. Today, the Fort serves in a civilian capacity as a nature and history facility.
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