In October 1804
the Corps of Discovery appeared like strange vision on the cold waters
of the Missouri River near the Mandan and Hidatsa.
Lewis and Clark told the Mandan that
the Great White Father (Thomas Jefferson)
they would protect the Mandan's if they would trade with the Americans
than the Spanish and French. The Mandan welcomed the Corps into the
warmth of their lodges.
The Mandans were like the Hidatsas.
They both weren't wanders, they had permanent homes. Their houses
are round earth lodges with log frames covered with sod and thatch.
The houses were large enough for several families. They were farmers,
hunters, and trappers. With the changing seasons they planted corn,
squash, pumpkins, and beans.
They thought York
was a great medicine man. They said this when they couldn't explain
something. York remained on good terms with the Mandans.
On August 13, 1806 the Corps reached
the Mandans again. Chief Big White (Shekeke) accompanied the captains
on their way to Washington, but he had to take his wife.
There was two occasions during the
trip Clark was in a hurry to reach the
Mandan village before the Missouri froze.
Sacagawea
Alana J. White
1997
p. 9, 10, 13, 22, 24, 26, 98, 100, 113
