A fort was built 125 years ago

Fort Assinniboine, a vital component in the history of north-central Montana, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

The first soldiers arrived at the location, which now houses the Northern Agricultural Research Center, on May 9, 1879.

Gary Wilson, president of the Fort Assinniboine Preservation Association, said the construction of the fort that would shape the future of north-central Montana can really be credited to one man - Chief Sitting Bull of the Sioux.

The fort was built at the tail end of the Indian Wars. Congress initially appropriated $100,000 for its construction in 1878...