Near Washburn in McLean County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 28, 2020
1. Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania Marker
From this site, North Dakota Wagon Train, that took our message to Valley Forge, left on September 26, 1975.
Outriders presented scrolls from their various bicentennial communities to Wagon Master Jerry Nelson and Governor Arthur Link. These scrolls dedicated their communities to the support of the bicentennial observance in our nation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is September 26, 1975.
Location. 47° 17.904′ N, 101° 5.214′ W. Marker is near Washburn, North Dakota, in McLean County. Marker can be reached from 8th Street Southwest (County Highway 17) near 28th Avenue Southwest, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located in Fort Mandan State Recreation Area near the entrance to the replica Fort Mandan. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washburn ND 58577, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Below the Freezing Point (a few steps from this marker); Fort Mandan (a few steps from this marker); Men of Worth (within shouting distance of this marker); Seaman (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Fort Mandan (about 500 feet away); Mandan Winter / Harmony Park (approx.
this page online
Regarding Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania. The Bicentennial Commission of Pennsylvania, which organized the event, described it as “a replay of history – in reverse. A train of covered wagons – one from each state – is crossing the country from West to East, adhering as closely as possible to original pioneer trails and wagon routes.” They provided an authentic Conestoga wagon or Prairie Schooner for each state.
Also see . . .
1. Timeline - 1976. Americas Best History website entry:
The odd part of the Wagon Train was in the signing of scrolls by participants and visitors, including President Ford. Over twenty-two million people signed them, preservation of a time and bicentennnial event for perpetuity. But someone society lost them since. Today, none of the scrolls can be found in the various archives where you'd think they might be; not at Valley Forge, the state archives in Harrisburg, or Washington, D.C. They were supposed to be buried in a time capsule. Nobody can find that either. (Submitted on December 15, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 28, 2020
2. Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania Marker
2. Fort Mandan Winter. Discover Lewis and Clark website entry:
"This place we have named Fort Mandan," Lewis recorded, "in honour of our Neighbours"—their kind and congenial Mandan Indians....Here they wintered-over near the Mandans, "the most friendly, well disposed Indians inhabiting the Missouri . . . brave, humane and hospitable." They talked peace and commerce, American style, to all who would listen. (Submitted on December 15, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Via King of Prussia Historical Society, 1976
3. Bicentennial Wagon Train route
King of Prussia Historical Society website entry
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Photographed By Unknown
4. Bicentennial Wagon Train
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on April 25, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4. submitted on December 15, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
