Chief Looking's Village site (32BL3)
a.k.a. Ward Earth Lodge Village 32BL3
Eastern edge of Pioneer Park, Bismarck, NDThe Ward Earth Lodge Village has never been cultivated, nor has it been severely damaged by vandalism or archeological excavations. The site would prove to be a useful archeological laboratory for those interested in Plains Indian life-ways. The Heart River Phase, 1675-1780, was the apex of Mandan cultural development. With the increasingly rapid expansion of the cities of Bismarck and Mandan, the Ward Earth Lodge Village will increase in significance as other examples of the Heart River Phase villages are destroyed.
An hypothesis can be offered which identifies the Ward Earth Lodge Village as a town of the Nuptadi sub-tribe of the southern Mandan. The argument is based upon (1) that group's traditional area of residence being on the left, or east, bank of Missouri River and (2) upon the location of the Ward Earth Lodge Village also on the left bank. Will states that the Ward Earth Lodge Village had been identified as the town of a chief known as "Looking" (Will 1924: 315), but the reliability of this observation is open to question.
Archeological excavation of three earth lodge floors at the site revealed what appeared to be sub-rectangular (not circular) lodge floors. These excavations suggest Ward Earth Lodge Village may be transitional architecturally, and perhaps temporally between the preceding Huff Phase (long, rectangular floors) and the fully developed Heart River Phase with circular floors. Re-excavation of these floors with modern techniques would help resolve the question. Furthermore, the scientific potential of excavating a burned lodge, the standing structure of which is known in detail, has been recognized.
The lodges built in 1934 have all been destroyed. However, the Ward Village lodges were an early example of attempts to conserve and interpret the legacy of prehistoric inhabitants of the Plains in recognition of their contribution to our national heritage.
Local significance of the site:
An hypothesis can be offered which identifies the Ward Earth Lodge Village as a town of the Nuptadi sub-tribe of the southern Mandan. The argument is based upon (1) that group's traditional area of residence being on the left, or east, bank of Missouri River and (2) upon the location of the Ward Earth Lodge Village also on the left bank. Will states that the Ward Earth Lodge Village had been identified as the town of a chief known as "Looking" (Will 1924: 315), but the reliability of this observation is open to question.
Archeological excavation of three earth lodge floors at the site revealed what appeared to be sub-rectangular (not circular) lodge floors. These excavations suggest Ward Earth Lodge Village may be transitional architecturally, and perhaps temporally between the preceding Huff Phase (long, rectangular floors) and the fully developed Heart River Phase with circular floors. Re-excavation of these floors with modern techniques would help resolve the question. Furthermore, the scientific potential of excavating a burned lodge, the standing structure of which is known in detail, has been recognized.
The lodges built in 1934 have all been destroyed. However, the Ward Village lodges were an early example of attempts to conserve and interpret the legacy of prehistoric inhabitants of the Plains in recognition of their contribution to our national heritage.
Prehistoric
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
North Dakota played a significant role in the development of the U.S. space program. During the 1950s and 1960s, the state was home to several missile bases and launch sites that were used to test and develop intercontinental ballistic missiles.
About Burleigh County
Burleigh County Timeline
Burleigh County is located in the state of North Dakota and has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. The county was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Mandan people. European explorers, such as Lewis and Clark, also explored the area in the early 19th century. Settlement began in the area in the late 1800s, with the establishment of small agricultural communities.
In 1872, Burleigh County was officially organized and named after Walter A. Burleigh, a prominent pioneer and politician in the state. The county seat was established in the city of Bismarck, which has remained the county seat to this day. Bismarck quickly grew to become an important economic and political center in the region.
The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1873 and the completion of the Capitol building in Bismarck in 1883 further contributed to the county's growth. Agriculture became a major industry, with farmers cultivating crops like wheat, barley, and corn.
Burleigh County has also played a role in North Dakota's political history. In 1889, North Dakota became a state and Bismarck became the state capital. The county continued to grow and prosper in the following decades. Today, Burleigh County remains a vibrant community, known for its strong agricultural heritage, political importance, and natural beauty.
In 1872, Burleigh County was officially organized and named after Walter A. Burleigh, a prominent pioneer and politician in the state. The county seat was established in the city of Bismarck, which has remained the county seat to this day. Bismarck quickly grew to become an important economic and political center in the region.
The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1873 and the completion of the Capitol building in Bismarck in 1883 further contributed to the county's growth. Agriculture became a major industry, with farmers cultivating crops like wheat, barley, and corn.
Burleigh County has also played a role in North Dakota's political history. In 1889, North Dakota became a state and Bismarck became the state capital. The county continued to grow and prosper in the following decades. Today, Burleigh County remains a vibrant community, known for its strong agricultural heritage, political importance, and natural beauty.
Burleigh County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Burleigh County, North Dakota.
- 1812: Lewis and Clark Expedition explores the area of present-day Burleigh County
- 1873: Burleigh County is organized and named after Walter A. Burleigh, a lawyer and U.S. Congressman
- 1878: Bismarck becomes the county seat
- 1883: Northern Pacific Railway reaches Bismarck, boosting economic growth in the area
- 1899: Burleigh County Courthouse is constructed
- 1920s: Oil deposits are discovered near Bismarck, leading to an oil boom in the county
- 1929: Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park is established in western Burleigh County
- 1960s: Construction begins on the Garrison Dam, creating Lake Sakakawea and providing hydroelectric power
- 1976: The North Dakota Heritage Center is built in Bismarck, showcasing the state's history and culture
- 2009: Flooding along the Missouri River affects several communities in Burleigh County