Explore the real-world places that appear in The Revenant by Michael Punke. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include Fort Henry at the Confluence, The Bear Attack Site, Fort Atkinson, The Arikaree Villages, Pawnee Territory, Nebraska and 10 more.
Upper Missouri River, present-day North Dakota — Starting point of the fur trading expedition
Fort Henry is where Hugh Glass begins his journey as part of Andrew Henry's fur trading brigade in the spring of 1823. Glass, an experienced trapper and former pirate, joins the expedition that will take him deep into the Montana wilderness. The fort serves as the last outpost of civilization before the brigade ventures into dangerous Blackfeet territory, and it is from here that Glass departs toward his brutal encounter with the grizzly bear.
Fort Henry was established by Andrew Henry in 1822 as a fur trading post on the upper Missouri River. It was one of the earliest American fur trading forts in the Rocky Mountain region and served as a crucial hub for the fur trade during the 1820s. The fort was abandoned around 1824 as the fur trade shifted.
No physical structures remain at the original Fort Henry site. The area is now largely undeveloped wilderness along the Missouri River in northeastern Montana. A historical marker indicates the approximate location of the fort.
Grand River Valley, South Dakota — Where Hugh Glass is mauled and left for dead
In the summer of 1823, Hugh Glass is viciously attacked by a massive grizzly bear near the Grand River. The bear mauls him brutally, leaving him with a shattered spine, deep lacerations, exposed ribs, and a torn throat. John Fitzgerald and young Jim Bridger, two members of his brigade, abandon him in the wilderness after finding him mortally wounded. Glass somehow survives this attack despite being deemed certain to die, and his recovery becomes the foundation of the entire novel's narrative.
The Grand River valley was prime grizzly bear habitat in the early 19th century. Fur trappers regularly encountered grizzlies in this region, and bear attacks were among the most feared dangers of frontier life. The historical Hugh Glass attack occurred in 1823 and is one of the most documented survival stories of the American frontier.
The Grand River valley remains wild country in northwestern South Dakota, part of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Wildlife Refuge. The landscape is largely unchanged from Glass's time, with grasslands, cottonwood groves, and river breaks. A state historical marker commemorates the bear attack site.
Visit: Upper Missouri River Breaks National Wildlife Refuge (historic site)
Near present-day Columbus, Nebraska — Military fort where Glass recovers
After his incredible journey across the wilderness, Hugh Glass reaches Fort Atkinson, a United States military post on the Missouri River. He arrives as a ghost-like figure, his wounds infected and his body barely alive. The soldiers at the fort nurse him back to health over several months, and Glass shares his story of survival and abandonment. Fort Atkinson represents a return to civilization and a turning point where Glass begins planning his revenge against Fitzgerald and Bridger.
Fort Atkinson was established in 1820 by the U.S. Army as a military outpost to control the fur trade and maintain American presence on the frontier. It served as a cantonment for the Missouri Expedition from 1820 to 1826. The fort was one of the westernmost military installations of its time and housed hundreds of soldiers.
Fort Atkinson Historic State Park preserves the site of the original fort. Visitors can explore reconstructed barracks, officer's quarters, and other period buildings. Museum exhibits detail the fort's history during the fur trade era and the life of frontier soldiers. The park offers walking trails along the Missouri River.
Visit: Fort Atkinson Historic State Park (historic site)
Grand River, South Dakota — Native American territory and key survival point
During his recovery journey, Hugh Glass encounters an Arikaree village where he is briefly cared for by the tribe. The Arikarees provide him food and shelter, though his trust in Native Americans remains complicated throughout his ordeal. This encounter represents moments of unexpected mercy in the wilderness, as Glass navigates tribal territories and learns to survive in the hostile landscape.
The Arikaree (Ree) people were a Caddoan-speaking tribe that lived along the Missouri River in present-day South Dakota and Nebraska. In the 1820s, they were major trading partners with American fur companies. The tribe had a complex relationship with white trappers, trading valuable beaver pelts while also defending their territories.
The Arikaree descendants are now part of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, headquartered at Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The archaeological sites of historic Arikaree villages remain in the Grand River valley, managed as cultural heritage sites.
Visit: Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (historic site)
Platte River region — Dangerous crossing through hostile lands
Hugh Glass must traverse through Pawnee territory on his journey south and east toward Fort Atkinson. The Pawnee were formidable warriors and a constant threat to isolated trappers and travelers. Glass uses his woodcraft and cunning to avoid direct confrontation while crossing their hunting grounds, hiding during the day and traveling at night.
The Pawnee Nation dominated the Great Plains of Nebraska and Kansas during the 1820s. They were skilled hunters and warriors who controlled vast territories and trade routes. The Pawnee had complex relationships with white traders, sometimes trading peacefully and sometimes raiding for horses and goods.
Pawnee descendants now live on the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. Historic Pawnee villages and hunting grounds are marked throughout Nebraska. The University of Nebraska State Museum houses artifacts and exhibits about Pawnee history and culture.
Visit: University of Nebraska State Museum (museum)
Powder River, present-day Montana — Trading post and refuge
Fort Cass appears in Glass's journey as he pursues Fitzgerald northward into Crow territory. The fort serves as a crucial trading post where Glass gathers supplies and intelligence about his targets. Glass encounters trappers and traders who provide information about Fitzgerald's whereabouts, helping him stay on the trail of his prey.
Fort Cass was a fur trading post established by the American Fur Company on the Powder River in present-day Montana. It served as a supply depot and trading center for trappers working in the northern Rockies during the 1820s. The fort was part of a network of trading posts that dominated the fur trade economy.
No structures remain at the original Fort Cass site. The location is on private ranchland in northeastern Wyoming, near the Powder River. Historical markers and interpretive signs mark the general location of the fort.
North-central Montana — Dangerous hunting grounds and native lands
Hugh Glass must navigate through Blackfeet hunting territory, one of the most dangerous regions in his journey. The Blackfeet are formidable warriors who view American trappers as threats and intruders. Glass's knowledge of the land and his ability to move quietly and unseen become essential skills as he evades Blackfeet war parties while pursuing Fitzgerald northward.
The Blackfeet Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani) controlled vast territories in present-day Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan during the 1820s. They were powerful horsemen and warriors who fiercely defended their hunting grounds and resisted white encroachment. The Blackfeet had significant trading relationships with British fur companies and were skeptical of American traders.
The Blackfeet Indian Reservation is located in northwestern Montana, with the tribal capital in Browning. The reservation preserves Blackfeet culture and history. Museums and cultural centers tell the story of Blackfeet sovereignty and their role in fur trade history.
Visit: Museum of the Plains Indian (museum)
Multiple crossings — The highway of frontier travel and danger
The Missouri River is the spine of Glass's entire journey. He follows it downstream after his recovery, uses it to navigate the wilderness, and crosses it multiple times as he pursues his enemies. The river provides sustenance through fish and game but also presents dangers—from rapids and currents to exposure. The river is simultaneously his guide and his antagonist throughout the novel.
The Missouri River was the primary highway of the American frontier in the 1820s. Fur trading companies used keelboats and pirogues to transport goods and supplies upstream and downstream. The river was crucial to the entire fur trade economy and exploration of the West.
The Missouri River remains a major North American waterway. Much of the river valley in Montana and the Dakotas is relatively unchanged from Glass's era, with protected lands and wildlife refuges preserving the landscape. The river is popular for fishing, boating, and scenic travel.
Visit: Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (historic site)
Confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers, North Dakota — Major fur trading hub
Fort Union is one of the most important fur trading posts in the narrative. Glass passes through or near this major trading hub during his journey northward. The fort is a symbol of the fur trade economy that drives the entire story. Traders and trappers at Fort Union provide information, supplies, and news about Glass's quarry, helping him track Fitzgerald and Bridger.
Fort Union Trading Post was established in 1828 by the American Fur Company at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. It became the most important trading post on the Missouri River, with a peak operation from the 1830s through 1850s. The fort was a center of fur trade commerce, employing hundreds of trappers and traders.
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site preserves and reconstructs the original fort. Visitors can tour the trading post buildings, including the trading room, warehouse, and employee quarters. Interpreters demonstrate period crafts and explain the fur trade economy. The site features a museum and bookstore.
Visit: Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site (historic site)
Confluence with Missouri River, Montana — Key navigation and supply route
The Yellowstone River represents an alternative route and a turning point in Glass's pursuit. As he traces Fitzgerald's movements, Glass follows leads that suggest his quarry has moved up the Yellowstone. The river provides another highway through the wilderness, with its own dangers and opportunities. Glass's navigation of multiple river systems demonstrates his expert knowledge of the landscape.
The Yellowstone River was named by fur trappers and became an important route for trading expeditions in the 1820s. The river provided access to prime beaver trapping grounds and connected major trading posts. Many famous fur trappers, including Jim Bridger and Jedediah Smith, operated along the Yellowstone.
The Yellowstone River remains a scenic waterway in Montana. Much of the river is protected and managed for recreation and conservation. The river is popular for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Several national and state parks border the Yellowstone.
Visit: Yellowstone National Park (northern boundary) (park)
Various locations in the Rocky Mountains — Gathering of trappers and traders
Hugh Glass's journey eventually intersects with the annual fur trade rendezvous circuit, where trappers gather to trade furs and supplies. At one of these rendezvous, Glass finally encounters John Fitzgerald, one of the men who left him to die. The rendezvous represents the climax of Glass's revenge quest, where years of pursuit culminate in a confrontation between hunter and hunted.
The mountain man rendezvous system, pioneered by William Ashley and Andrew Henry, was established in the early 1820s. These annual gatherings brought trappers from across the West to trade with supply caravans from St. Louis. The rendezvous were crucial to the fur trade economy and served as trading centers, resupply depots, and social gatherings.
Historic rendezvous sites are scattered across Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region. Some sites, like Sublette County in Wyoming, have museums and annual reenactments. Modern rendezvous events celebrate fur trade history with historically accurate gatherings.
Visit: Sublette County Heritage Museum (museum)
Grand River village area, South Dakota — Location of attack on Glass's brigade
Early in the expedition, before Glass is mauled by the bear, the fur brigade is attacked by Arikara warriors. The battle is fierce and brutal, resulting in significant casualties among the trappers. Young Jim Bridger is caught in the battle, which shapes his character and his later abandonment of Glass. The Arikara attack sets the stage for the dangers Glass will face and establishes the hostile relationship between American trappers and some Native American tribes.
The Arikara tribe engaged in several conflicts with American fur traders in the 1820s, including a major battle at Ashley's fort in 1823. These conflicts arose from competition over resources, trade disputes, and Arikara defense of their territories. The battles were significant events in the early fur trade era.
The Grand River valley remains sparsely populated, with historical markers indicating the sites of fur trade battles. The Arikara descendants are part of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. Historic preservations honor the complex history of conflict and trade.
Visit: Arikara National Historic Landmark (historic site)
Confluence of Laramie and North Platte Rivers, Wyoming — Important southern trading post
Fort Laramie serves as a strategic point on Glass's journey southward and eastward after his recovery. The fort is a gathering place for trappers and traders moving through the Platte River valley. Glass likely passes through or near Fort Laramie during his pursuit of Fitzgerald, seeking information and provisions. The fort represents both civilization and the frontier economy that defines Glass's world.
Fort Laramie was established as a fur trading post in the 1830s and became one of the most important trading posts on the Oregon Trail. It served as a supply depot for the fur trade and later became a military installation. Fort Laramie was crucial to the entire western frontier expansion.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site preserves the original fort with 22 restored or reconstructed buildings. Visitors can tour officer's quarters, barracks, warehouses, and other period structures. Museums and interpreters explain the fur trade and military history. Living history demonstrations bring the fort to life seasonally.
Visit: Fort Laramie National Historic Site (historic site)
Vast grassland from Missouri to Rocky Mountains — The deadly landscape
Hugh Glass's journey takes him across hundreds of miles of open plains, where exposure, starvation, and dehydration pose constant threats. The Great Plains are beautiful but unforgiving, offering little shelter or food for a wounded man traveling alone. Glass must use every skill he possesses to survive the plains—knowing where to find water, how to hunt game, and how to navigate without instruments.
The Great Plains in the early 19th century were home to vast herds of buffalo and populations of deer, elk, and antelope. The plains were traversed by numerous Native American tribes including the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Crow. The landscape was largely unchanged from pre-contact times, with grasses stretching to the horizon.
Much of the Great Plains landscape remains, though prairie has been converted to agricultural land. Protected prairie preserves and national grasslands maintain native ecosystems. The landscape is still dramatic and sparsely populated in many areas. Scenic drives and hiking trails offer modern visitors views of Glass's wilderness.
Visit: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (park)
Mountain crossings between present-day Montana and Wyoming — High altitude survival
Hugh Glass must cross the Rocky Mountains multiple times during his journey, facing extreme altitude, cold, and isolation. The passes through the mountains are brutal, with thin air, sudden storms, and exposure to the elements. Glass's ability to navigate the high country and survive the harsh mountain environment demonstrates his exceptional wilderness skills and determination.
The Rocky Mountain passes were used by Native Americans and early trappers to move between different valleys and hunting grounds. South Pass, in present-day Wyoming, was a crucial route for travel over the continental divide. The mountains held vast populations of beaver and other fur-bearing animals.
Many Rocky Mountain passes remain relatively accessible, with highways, hiking trails, and scenic drives. Some passes are protected wilderness areas. The landscape is popular for hiking, mountaineering, and scenic viewing. Winter conditions can still be deadly.
Visit: Rocky Mountain National Park (park)
More by Michael Punke: All Michael Punke books