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

Garrison Dam

Lewis and Clark in North Dakota

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2025

1. Garrison Dam Marker

Inscription.
Dam Type ... Belled Earth
Height ... 202 feet
Length ... 11,3000 feet
Width At Top Of Dam ,,, 60 feet
Width At Bottom of Dam ... 3,400 feet
Volume of Earth Fill ... 66,500,000 cubic yard
Volume Of Concrete ... 1,500,000 cubic yards (or enough to build a 2-lane road 1,200 miles)

Garrison Dam is one of the largest earth-filled dams. Lake Sakakawea, behind the dam, forms one of the largest man-made lakes, with a surface area of 383,000 acres reaching beyond Williston, North Dakota. It was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Construction of the dam was started in 1946; closure was made in the spring of 1853; and the earthwork was completed in the fall of 1955. The first generating unit went into service in 1956, and the fifth and final one in 1960. Hydroelectric power generated at this project is used by industries, farms, towns, and homes. Cost of the Garrison Dam was approximately $294 million.

Erected by North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 47° 35.254′ N,

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101° 25.278′ W. Marker is in Garrison, North Dakota, in McLean County. It can be reached from 41st Avenue NW near Scooter Drive. The marker is located in Fort Stevenson State Park in a grassy field bordered by Lake Sakakawea, near the south end of 41st Avenue NW. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1252A 41st Avenue NW, Garrison ND 58540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Dakota’s Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation,

in the 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lake Sakakawea (here, next to this marker); Fort Stevenson State Park (a few steps from this marker); A Blank Canvas (a few steps from this marker); De Trobriand (a few

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2025

2. Garrison Dam Marker

The marker is on the left.

steps from this marker); Buffalo (within shouting distance of this marker); Intake Structure (approx. 5.7 miles away); Powerhouse (approx. 5.8 miles away); a different marker also named Garrison Dam (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Garrison.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2025, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 4, 2025, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.