Smallpox and the Central Plaza

Smallpox and the Central Plaza. Fort Clark State Historic Site. In the summer of 1837, the steamboat St. Peters arrived at the Mandan village and Fort Clark, carrying passengers, supplies, and trade goods. Tragically, some of the people on the St. Peters were also infected with smallpox. In a matter of weeks, this epidemic decimated the Mandans. Of an estimated population of 1600 people, fewer than 160 survived the epidemic. Most of those who survived the epidemic left Mih-tutta-hang-kush, and along with others moved further north. The neighboring Arikaras moved into the village in the spring of 1838. , What is unique about the spot were you are now standing is that it clearly shows the transition in village plan from the Mandans to the Arikaras. , Prior to the epidemic and the departure of the Mandans, the village core was used as a central plaza. The central plaza served an important function of Mandan villages. In the middle of this open space stood the Ark of the First Man. This barrel-shaped object represented the height of waters in a great flood, and was an important part of Mandan ceremonies. Surrounding the plaza were homes of some of the most prominent members of the tribe, as well as the Mandan's ceremonial lodge. When the Arikaras arrived, they built their own ceremonial lodge. This lodge was built over the place where the Mandan's Ark of the First Man had been located.