Near Sanger in Oliver County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

"A Buitifull Countrey"

Cross Ranch State Park

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 22, 2025

1. "A Buitifull Countrey" Marker

Inscription. Once the Missouri River flowed wild and untamed for 360 miles through North Dakota. With the construction of upstream dams, and urban development, little of the river's natural cottonwood environment now remains . Thanks to public and private efforts, some of that free-flowing river can still be seen today, including seven miles of untouched shoreline bordering Cross Ranch State Park and the adjacent nature preserve. Captain William Clark called this area "a butifull country on both Sides of the river. The bottoms Covd. (covered) with wood." Here, one can experience the sense of discovery the Corps of Discovery found as they proceeded on their journey.

Erected by North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.

Location. 47° 11.014′ N, 100° 59.486′ W. Marker is near Sanger, North Dakota, in Oliver County. It can be reached from the intersection of 22nd Avenue SouthWest (aka River Road) and

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16th Street SouthWest. The marker is located overlooking the Missouri River in Cross Ranch State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Center ND 58530, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Dakota’s Standing Rock Sioux Tribe,

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 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Cross Ranch (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Missouri: Origin and History (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Story of Painted Woods (approx. 2 miles away); Painted Woods (approx. 2 miles away); The Missouri : A Landscape Altered (approx. 2.2 miles away); The Missouri: An Early Highway (approx. 2½ miles away); Soo Line Railroad & Depot (approx. 7.3 miles away); Taylor Cabin

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 22, 2025

2. "A Buitifull Countrey" Marker

(approx. 7.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sanger.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2025, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 37 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2025, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.