Sutler Store - Fort Atkinson - Nebraska
by Nikolyn McDonald
Title
Sutler Store - Fort Atkinson - Nebraska
Artist
Nikolyn McDonald
Medium
Photograph
Description
In 1819 Fort Atkinson, originally called Camp Cantonment, was established on the bluffs above the west bank of the Missouri River, 15-20 miles north of what is now the city of Omaha. Built to protect the American fur trade, it was abandoned less than 10 years later in 1827. The fort has been completely reconstructed and is now a state park.
The sutler store lies outside the main walls of the fort. A sutler was a civilian merchant who, from the mid 16th to the early 20th centuries, followed the United States armies, selling provisions to the soldiers. Though most of the time they operated from temporary tents or the backs of wagons in the field or in camp, in the case of an established fort they sometimes built stores near or within an army post. They were often the only source of non-military goods such as tobacco, alcohol, or sugar for the soldiers. In the late 1800’s, sutler stores were also often open to civilians and offered opportunities for “recreation” such as gambling, drinking, and prostitution.
Featured: Midwest America Photography
Uploaded
February 15th, 2021
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