Like-a-Fishhook Village
Like-a-Fishhook Village was an Indian village in North Dakota established by members of the Three Affiliated Tribes, the Mandan, Arikara and Hidatsa. The village was established in 1845 and the village was also inhabited by non-Indian traders. The village became important in the trade between Native Americans and non-Indians in the region.
The village was founded shortly after a disastrous epidemic of smallpox struck the tribes of the region. The numbers of the Mandan had been reduced to approximately 125 while the numbers of the Hidatsa were also reduced, though not as severely. The two tribes merged shortly before Like-a-Fishhook Village was created. The village was constructed as a defense against the local Lakota and Yanktonai people who frequently attacked the tribes. The Mandan and Hidatsa were joined by the Arikara shortly after the village was constructed.
The village, consisting of earthen lodges and log cabins, was abandoned in 1880. The site of Like-a-Fishhook Village was lost when the construction of Garrison Dam flooded the area to create Lake Sakakawea.