Located within the walls of the Fort is the Sutler Store. The sutler was a government appointed civilian storekeeper who was authorized to operate on a military post. The sutler store was the 19th Century equivalent of the Post Exchange or PX.
The sutler's prices and line of merchandise were controlled by the Army, but he was allowed to extend credit to the soldiers and when payday rolled around, the sutler sat next to the paymaster and received his due before the soldier was paid. In addition to providing the soldiers with items not issued by the army, the sutler would trade with local Indians and settlers.
The brain tanned buffalo robe, animal traps and other items displayed in the store are representative of the variety of merchandise and clientele the sutler served. Due to his connections with the army and government, the sutler often became a prominent and wealthy member of the community.
William Williams, the sutler at Fort Dodge, was no exception. When the army abandoned Fort Dodge in 1853, Williams was able to use his inside information to purchase the fort buildings and the surrounding military reservation. In March of 1854 Williams laid out the town of Fort Dodge and opened the first land office. Williams became the first Postmaster, Mayor, and the most prominent early citizen of the town he founded.
Fort Features
