Big Hidatsa Village Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Big Hidatsa Village Site
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Big Hidatsa Village
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 Location in North Dakota
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Stanton, North Dakota |
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| Area | 15 acres (6.1 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000600 |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
The Big Hidatsa site was a village where people lived in special homes called earthlodges. It was used from about 1740 to 1850. This important place is part of the 1,758-acre Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in North Dakota, United States. This National Historic Site was created in 1974. Its goal was to help people learn about the cultures and ways of life of the Plains Indians.
Where is the Big Hidatsa Site?
The Big Hidatsa site is found near where the Knife River meets the Missouri River. It is close to the town of Stanton, North Dakota. This spot was a stop for the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. Big Hidatsa was the largest of the three villages in the area. It had about 120 round earthlodges. The Lewis and Clark expedition even built Fort Mandan about 2 miles away from Big Hidatsa.
A Look Back: History of the Site
The Big Hidatsa site and its nearby villages are famous for helping the Lewis and Clark expedition. The explorers, also known as the Corps of Discovery, got help from Sacagawea here. She was a Shoshone woman who guided them.
When Lewis and Clark arrived in the winter of 1804, between 4,000 and 5,000 Hidatsa and Mandan people lived in this area. There were more than 200 earthlodges. Each of these large homes could hold 20 to 30 people!
After Fort Mandan was built, the explorers and the people of Big Hidatsa traded goods. Some items from the villagers were even sent to President Thomas Jefferson. Talking with the Hidatsa and Mandan people gave the explorers very useful information. They learned a lot about the culture and history of the people living in the western parts of America.
What Can You See Today?
If you visit the Big Hidatsa site today, you can still see dips in the ground. These are where the earthlodges once stood. The dirt around the homes collapsed after the village was left empty.
The site faces some challenges. Certain plants that don't belong there, harmful tree fungus, and riverbank erosion threaten the area. However, the park has many interesting artifacts. These are items left behind by the people who lived at the site long ago.
The Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is also a great place for outdoor activities. People who enjoy canoeing or hiking can visit the park. Canoeists can paddle through the park on the Knife or Missouri rivers.
