Place

Wayside: Bastions

Panel: painting of American Indian and sketch of the Courtyard. Background: wooden buildings & wall
"Bastions" Wayside

NPS / Lisa Sanden

Quick Facts

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

This is one of two bastions located at opposing corners of the Fort. Both were built entirely of stone, measuring roughly 23 feet on a side and over 30 feet high. The three foot thick walls were whitewashed. 

Housing cannon, the bastions served other purposes besides observation and defense. They were used for temporary storage and often functioned as guest quarters. 

When visiting Fort Union, American artist George Catlin had a studio in one of the bastions. There he had a commanding view of the landscape. According to his journal, he painted many of his works while siting on the breech of a cannon, the cool metal barrel providing some relief from the heat.

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Last updated: February 6, 2021