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

Pleasures and Pastimes

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 4, 2011

1. Pleasures and Pastimes Marker

Inscription.

"At half past 2 another gun was fired, as a notice to assemble at the dance, which was continued in a jovial manner until 8 at night…" Patrick Gass, Dec. 25, 1804

The Corps of Discovery found many ways to entertain themselves despite long and arduous days. The men to the expedition conducted a variety of organized games and contests. Swimming, shooting, racing and backgammon were popular diversions for them.

On many occasions the men amused themselves by observing the games of the native tribes they met along their route. John Ordway wrote of the Mandan hoop and pole game he witnessed wherein two men at a time ran across a course sliding sticks after flat clay rings.

Evenings were often spent dancing to the fiddle of Pierre Cruzatte accompanied by a sounden horn and the beat of a tambourine. On January 1, 1805, William Clark wrote, "ordered my black servant to dance which amused the crowd very much and somewhat astonished them, that so large a man should be so active." Though most of the men danced, engagé Francois Rivet was known to "dance on his head."

Topics and series. This historical marker is

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listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 25, 1804.

Location. 47° 17.898′ N, 101° 5.291′ W. Marker is near Washburn, North Dakota, in McLean County. It is on 28th Avenue Southwest near 8th Street Southwest, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located in Fahlgren Park State Recreation Area, across from Fort Mandan State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 838 28th Avenue Southwest, 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: Cottonwood Canopy (within shouting distance

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 4, 2011

2. Pleasures and Pastimes Marker

of this marker); Seaman (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Mandan (about 300 feet away); Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania (about 300 feet away); A Respectable Fleet (about 400 feet away); A Natural (about 400 feet away); Below the Freezing Point (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Mandan (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washburn.

Also see . . . Traditional Games Tchung-kee. Play begins when two competing players (one from each team) trot side-by-side, each carrying two tchung-kee poles, which have bunches of feathers or leather strips tied onto them at regular intervals.... (Submitted on August 3, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

The Game of Tchung-kee image. Click for full size.

George Catlin - New York Public Library

3. The Game of Tchung-kee

Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 115 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 3, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.