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Year of first wagon train:
1969

When was Fort Seward incorporated:
Fort Seward, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of North Dakota as a non-profit group on June 4, 1969.

How Fort Seward, Inc. got it's name:
The Fort Seward wagon train was named after the place the wagon train usually starts from and often ends at. The historic Fort Seward Park, which was once the home of a frontier Infantry Post. The Fort Seward Infantry Post was once located on an overlook hilltop on the northeast part of the city of Jamestown, North Dakota.

Why the Fort Seward wagon train was Incorporated:
Originally the Fort Seward wagon train was to be a one time event. However, the oranizers thought the experience so worthwhile, that it became a must to hold this event annually. It was started by a group of local citizens, in the Jamestown, North Dakota area. These citizens wanted to preserve, protect and promote the American pioneer family way of life, and the history of North Dakota.

How often the wagon train is held:
The wagon train is held for one full week annually, usually during the month of June.

Coordinaters of the activities of the organization:
The wagon train is organized by the Fort Seward, Inc. Board of Directors. Usually the board membership varies and is from seven to nine members on the board.

The wagon train staff:
The wagon train staff is selected by the board of directors, usually from wagon train regulars. The staff members usually volunteer their services.

The volunteer staff members labor, is truly an amazing labor of love for the Fort Seward, Inc. wagon train. It is all these special volunteers that allow us to continue. Also allowing us to keep our fees low, which in turn allows more lower income families to be able to come with their children.

The Board of Directors also serve as staff members during the wagon train:
All board members since incorporation hold staff positions. Most board members are expected to put in a great deal of time and work into the Fort Seward, Inc. wagon train.

About Fort Seward, Inc. owning wagons and horse teams:
Fort Seward, Inc. does not own any wagons and horse teams. The board finds it is much more cost effective to simply rent the wagons and teams of horses, from their area owners, when they are needed in June.

Requirements of rented wagons and horse teams:
The wagon trains "Wagon Master" and "Assistant Wagon Master", both board members, select the wagons and teams of horses that Fort Seward rents. They also select the volunteer Teamsters who will drive and care for the horses during the wagon train. The horse teams should be in good physical condition, not under weight nor to over weight.

Wagons rented must be in good condition and be well cared for. They must have manual brakes. They also must have wooden spooked wheels with metal rims. We don't allow rubber tired wagon on the wagon train. The wagon tongue and running gear should be solid, in good condition. The box preferred on the wagon is a flared top grain box. This type of wagon was often used by the pioneer farmers to haul their grain to market, and supplies back to the farmstead. It also offers the most comfort for our wagon train participants because of it's roominess. The canvas top must be in good repair and be light colored. White, natural and pale light browns are the acceptable canvas colors.

Where the wagon train travels during wagon train week:
Since the Fort Seward, Inc. wagon train always starts at the Fort Seward Park at Jamestown, North Dakota, the travels of the wagon train is usually limited to traveling anywhere within a 100 mile radius of the city of Jamestown, North Dakota.