In need of soldiers during the Civil War, not only to ght the battle with the south, but also maintain the western frontier, the United States authorized the use of Confederate prisoners of war to help the war effort.

Nicknamed Galvanized Yankees, the soldiers would have an important role in the formation of North Dakota.

One such group, sent west, established Fort Rice. They would serve a variety of functions, but most importantly, they were sent to protect European settlers, as well as try to establish positive relations with the various Indian tribes along the Upper Missouri. Tasks that proved incredibly difficult.

Photo taken at what remains of Fort Rice, by Dustin White.