WILLISTON — The public is invited to the 6th Infantry Living History Encampment and annual flag raising Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort Buford State Historic Site near Williston. The free event is open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.

The weekend centers on the site’s annual flag raising, a tradition marking the start of the tourism season and honoring soldiers who served on the northern Plains.

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the 6th Infantry Regimental Association is moving its traditional July encampment to May to better reflect Fort Buford’s role as a key supply and staging base for the U.S. Army during the 1876 campaign season.

“This program allows us to place Fort Buford in its proper historical context during the Little Bighorn Campaign, one of the most significant military campaigns in Western history,” said 6th Infantry Board Member Brandon Delvo.

Living historians will demonstrate how soldiers prepared for the frontier campaign, including packing supplies, organizing equipment and issuing rations and gear. Interpretive talks will highlight the logistics that supported military operations across the northern Plains.

This event is part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.