Near Brandon in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Fortified Village

May 20, 2022

1. Fortified Village Marker

Inscription. In 1922 pioneer archeologist Dr. W. H. Over recorded the Brandon Village site, the only documented prehistoric fortified village in Minnehaha County. It is located one-half mile west of this spot, on top of a narrow ridge 85 feet above the flood plain, on the west side of the Big Sioux River.

V-shaped erosional ravines provided protection from attack on three sides of this large village of 37 lodges. On the fourth side, villagers dug a fortification ditch as a barrier; Dr. Over believed that for additional defense a palisade of logs was erected. These people were of the Plains Village culture and were ancestors of the Missouri River Mandan.

Dr. Over supervised extensive archeological excavations at the settlement in 1939-1940. From evidence recovered, he concluded that the site was occupied for a short time between 1000 to 1200 A.D. and then was evacuated suddenly. His theory was that a strong warring tribe brought about the villagers' departure.

The Brandon Village site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

Erected 2003 by the Minnehaha County Historical Society and Midcontinent Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1000 CE.

Location.

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43° 33.833′ N, 96° 35.456′ W. Marker is near Brandon, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. Marker is on South Splitrock Boulevard (State Highway 11) 0.4 miles south of South Sioux Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brandon SD 57005, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Eminija, Minnesota Territory (a few steps from this marker); The Eminija Mounds (a few steps from this marker); Bergeson’s Homestead (approx. 1.1 miles away); Split Rock Creek Tragedy (approx. 1.9 miles away); Fur Trapper Ambush (approx. 1.9 miles away); McHardy Park (approx. 2 miles away); 1916 Brandon School (approx. 2 miles away); Brandon Veteran's Memorial (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brandon.

May 20, 2022

2. Fortified Village Marker

Fortified Village Marker, from the north image. Click for full size.

May 20, 2022

3. Fortified Village Marker, from the north

Fortified Village Marker, from the south image. Click for full size.

May 20, 2022

4. Fortified Village Marker, from the south

Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2022. This page has been viewed 225 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 30, 2022.