Near Washburn in McLean County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Fort Mandan

Lewis & Clark in North Dakota

— McLean County —

Fort Mandan Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 28, 2020

1. Fort Mandan Marker

Inscription. Winter 1804-1805

Named for the nearby Indians, Fort Mandan was winter quarters for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Sited by Captain Clark on November 2, 1804, the fort was built in a triangular shape from cottonwood logs cut in the vicinity; the walls chinked with mud. Huts housing men and supplies formed two sides, and the third was blockaded by "amazing long pickets." The men occupied their unfinished buildings on November 16, and the two captains moved into theirs four days later. To this fort came many visitors, among them Toussaint Charbonneau and Sakakawea. The captains passed the winter by learning as much as possible about the Missouri River tribes and the country that lay before them. Tools and equipment were mended for the Mandans in exchange for foodstuffs. On April 7, 1805, the keelboat and 11 men were sent downriver under the command of Corporal Richard Warfington. That same day, the remainder of the cary (the 2 captains and 31 others) embarked up river in "six small cancers, and two large peroques."

Erected 2004 by North Dakota Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Foundation.

Topics and series.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 2, 1804.

Location. 47° 17.849′ N, 101° 5.299′ W. Marker is near Washburn, North Dakota, in McLean County. It can be reached from 8th Street Southwest (County Road 17) near 29th Avenue Southwest (County Highway 23), on the left when traveling west. The marker is located at Fort Mandan State Recreation Area down near the Missouri River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washburn ND 58577, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Dakota’s Drift Prairie

and on the Missouri Plateau.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Seaman

Fort Mandan Marker, detail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 28, 2020

2. Fort Mandan Marker, detail

Map showing the probable location of Fort Mandan.

(a few steps from this marker); A Respectable Fleet (within shouting distance of this marker); First Farmers (within shouting distance of this marker); Pleasures and Pastimes (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania (about 500 feet away); Cottonwood Canopy (about 500 feet away); Below the Freezing Point (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Mandan (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washburn.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 28, 2020

3. Fort Mandan Marker

Missouri River in the background

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 367 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 14, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.