Fort Fizzle

Fort Fizzle (1877-1877) - Established 25 Sep 1877 by Capt. Charles C. Rawn, 7th U.S. Cavalry, as a temporary fortification to block the advance of Chief Joseph and his Nez Perce Indians. Became known as Fort Fizzle after the Indians climbed a steep ravine behind the ridge to the north of the fort and bypassed the soldiers on 28 Jul 1877.

Fort Fizzle Reproduction

Fort Fizzle History

A temporary fortification of hastily constructed log barricades and shallow rifle pits constructed 25 Jul 1877.

Current Status

Fort Fizzle Historic Site Picnic Area parallels the historic Lolo trail once used by the Nez Perce, Salish and Kootenai tribes and Lewis and Clark. Lewis and Clark's westbound expedition followed Lolo Creek on September 11-20, 1805, and again on June 24-30, 1806, when they revisited the area on their way home. Facilities included interpetive signs and accessible trail to fishing access. Restrooms and picnic facilities are also wheelchair accessible. Bring your own water. No fees required for this picnic area, however reservations for groups of 20 or more required call 406-329-3814.

---

{"selectable":false,"width":"500"}

Location: Lolo National Forest, 4.5 Miles west of Lolo, Montana, on Hwy 12 (Lolo Creek Road). Maps & Images Lat: 46.745 Long: -114.19056 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 3395'

Sources:

• Hart, Herbert M., Tour Guide to Old Western Forts, Pruett Publishing Co., Boulder CO, 1980, ISBN 0-87108-568-2, page 70
• Frazer, Robert W., Forts of the West, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman OK, 1965, ISBN 0-8061-1250-6, page 80-81
• Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 470-471

Links:

• North American Forts - Fort Fizzle
• Official State Travel Info.
• Lolo National Forest
• Lewis & Clark Road Trips

Visited: No

Fort Fizzle Picture Gallery

Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better!