The Fourth Of July

This time last year we were in Fort Benton, Montana. Fort Benton is at the headwaters of the navigable Missouri River. That meant all trade supplies for anyplace north of there went through Fort Benton. We went there as the jumping-off place to explore the Missouri Breaks. What we found was a delightful town that celebrated the Fourth of July as I recall it as a kid. They have their celebration before the 4th and then go upriver to Great Falls for a big city blowout.

When you look at the pictures, understand that everyone knew everyone else. They were all family and friends. There was equal shouting of greetings from the parade to onlookers and there were shouts from the onlookers to those in the parade. We were the only outsiders. They took a quick look at us and knew we should be welcomed. 

Some would say the parade was hokey. Not me. There were several signs and t-shirts about banning human trafficking. Yeah, way out in the boonies they were tangled with a subject of real substance.

The town has several statutes of white men that founded Fort Benton. I would bet heavily that they are still standing.

We wish we could be there right now.