Download or read book Forts of the Upper Missouri written by Robert G. Athearn and published by U of Nebraska Press. This book was released on 1972-01-01 with total page 380 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book brings to life one of the most exciting eras in American history. In late 1819 Colonel Henry Atkinson led an expedition to explore the wilderness of the Upper Missouri and establish sites for a string of military posts, which would extend successful contacts with the Indians as well as exploit trade with British companies. The result of his efforts was a fort system which played a dramatic and significant role in the opening of the territories of the upper plains and the Rockies.