Near Mandan in Morton County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Blockhouses & Palisades

Photographed by Connor Olson, August 11, 2019

1. Blockhouses & Palisades Marker

Inscription. The Infantry Post was protected by blockhouses and, on the north and west sides, by cottonwood walls called palisades. The rugged terrain to the south and east helped discourage attacks.

The palisades were costly to maintain and were removed in 1873 because of damage due to wind and rot. The Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt the blockhouses and palisades in 1935, but the palisades were dismantled again because of the same problems.

Soldiers can see for miles from the safety of the blockhouses. These buildings served as both observation posts and defensive fortifications. They also provided holding areas for prisoners and, at one point, were used as scouts’ quarters.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.

Location. 46° 46.173′ N, 100° 51.251′ W. Marker is near Mandan, North Dakota, in Morton County. It can be reached from Fort Lincoln Road, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan ND

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58554, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Officers' Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Abraham Lincoln Infantry Post (within shouting distance of this marker); Post Cemetery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Breastworks (about 400 feet away); Barracks (about 400 feet away); Gatling Gun Emplacement (about 500 feet away); Powder Magazines (about 600 feet away); Post Hospital (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mandan.

Blockhouses & Palisades Marker opposite a reconstructed blockhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, June 21, 2023

2. Blockhouses & Palisades Marker opposite a reconstructed blockhouse

Reconstructed Blockhouse. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Connor Olson, August 11, 2019

3. Reconstructed Blockhouse.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 453 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on July 8, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photos: 1. submitted on July 19, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on July 8, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 3. submitted on July 19, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.