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Fort Mandan
Washburn, ND |
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| For five months in the winter of 1804-1805, the Lewis & Clark expedition lived at Fort Mandan, their outpost and safe haven on the edge of the unknown frontier. It was here where they first met Sakakawea, became close friends with the Mandan and Hidatsa Indians, and braved through a long, bitterly cold winter. The temperature was often 10-20 degreees below zero. Deer and elk became so lean they offered little benefit to the men as food, while the endless hunting of game and chopping of wood demanded much energy. The expedition's blacksmith began trading simple iron tools and weapons for corn, squash and beans that the Mandan Indians grew. Without this help from the Indians, it's possible the expedition might not have made it through the winter.
Authentically reconstructed, the front gates to Fort Mandan proudly stand open once again. The guard posts, blacksmith shop, captains' room and the recreated furnishings and equipment fill the rooms. Row 1--#2-4-Fort Mandan, #5-6-rooms, note ladder to loft where men slept as well, Row 2--#1-2-rooms, #3-storage room with Indian squash and corn, #4-blacksmith shop, #5-equipment room, note gun, #6-trade room. Row 3--#3 & 4-Missouri up river. |
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