As I drove out to the tiny town of Sibley, I felt the decades retreating with every bend in the road.
Stepping inside the fort ushered me into the 1800’s as I was greeted by a citizen of the era. He introduced me to his world. His fort was built in 1808 under the direction of William Clark (of the William and Clark expedition). It served to guard the newly acquired territory of the Louisiana Purchase.
The buildings have been reconstructed per their original state. I stood and absorbed the experience of this life of 200 years past.
The trade house was small and yet surprisingly could accommodate the needs of the soldiers, townspeople and indigenous tribes. It is a felt contrast to the enormity of the inventory of stores today.
The soldiers must have enjoyed the fort’s setting as much as I did. The river is this close. I stood for a long time watching it drift by.
Nearby is the museum. They have a staff archeologist who superintends continued digs. They have archives and a research room. The documents are mainly for historians.
For genealogists, there is a cemetery. It is considered the oldest historic-era cemetery in Jackson County. A staff member told me the cemetery records are housed in the museum’s archives.
I had a full day of exploring the many buildings of the fort and reverentially visiting the cemetery. Afterwards, I followed the aged road down to the border of the river. I sat quietly enjoying my last moments in a time far gone, and yet alive today……here.