You're standing in a replica of an entrenchment and breastworks similar to those built north of this point in July 1877. Notice the gap between the bottom and top logs. Rifle barrels could be slid through this opening while the logs provided soldiers some protection from return fire.

When the Chief Looking Glass heard about the entrenchment he called them the "soldiers corral." The soldiers hide behind the barrier of two or three logs set on top of the dirt that was thrown forward when they dug the trenches.

The original network of trenches, individual rifle pits, and log breastworks were located to your right across Highway 12. The remains were visible until homesteading, logging and finally a 1934 forest fire destroyed the shallow depression and rotting logs.

The Army regulars had been constructing buildings for the new Fort Missoula, so a good supply and variety of tools were available for the field work the soldiers did here.

Erected by U.S. Forest Service, Lolo National Forest.