Near Mandan in Morton County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Breastworks
Photographed by McGhiever, June 21, 2023
1. Breastworks Marker
An important daily function at military posts was guard duty. Guards and pickets prevented intruders from entering the post or advancing near enough to shoot at soldiers, steal horses or set fire to buildings.
One such outpost was the breastworks directly south of this site. It is located on one of the highest points near the fort and was probably constructed in the early 1870s prior to the establishment of the Cavalry Post. This outpost remained in use until the fort was abandoned. (The view scope will help pinpoint the location.)
The breastworks is located approximately one mile from the site you are at, bearing 174 (SSE). The prominent butte on the horizon is Medicine Butte.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 46° 46.148′ N, 100° 51.333′ W. Marker is near Mandan, North Dakota, in Morton County. It is on Fort Lincoln Road west of Fort Lincoln Road, on the left when traveling west. Marker is in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (fee area), at the southwest corner of the Infantry Post parking lot. Touch for map.
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Regionally, this marker is on the Missouri Plateau and in Greater Bismarck Area. 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 Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Post Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Gatling Gun Emplacement (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Abraham Lincoln Infantry Post (within shouting distance of this marker); Blockhouses & Palisades (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Officers' Quarters (about 500 feet away); Barracks (approx. 0.2 miles away); Powder Magazines (approx. 0.2 miles away); Post Hospital (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mandan.
Photographed by McGhiever, June 21, 2023
2. Breastworks marker and view scope
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
