A Traveler's Companion to North Dakota State Historic Sites

Abstract

Reviewed by: A Traveler's Companion to North Dakota State Historic Sites Kimberly K. Porter A Traveler's Companion to North Dakota State Historic Sites. By State Historical Society of North Dakota. Bismarck: State Historical Society of North Dakota, 2014. vii + 204 pp. Illustrations, maps. $23.95 paper. A Traveler's Companion to North Dakota State Historic Sitesshould be in the glove box, backpack, library, or classroom of all North Dakotans, as well as in the hands of visitors. The handy spiral-bound book is chock full of places [End Page 114]to see and things to do in the Flickertail State. Alphabetically organized from Big Mound Battlefield State Historic Site to Writing Rock State Historic Site, A Traveler's Companionprovides context, drawings, detailed maps, and photographs—both contemporary and historic—for each of North Dakota's sixty-eight state historic sites. The text is clear: an icon denotes each location as being of potential merit to travelers seeking to explore places associated with Native Americans, the military, exploration and settlement, trade and technology, state government, or natural history. Many sites garner more than one icon. For example, the entry on Mandan's Fort Abraham Lincoln informs readers that the site should be of value to individuals interested in military history, as well as Native American history and natural wonders. An index points out areas of interest by category. For those interested in a more modern moment, travelers can opt to visit the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile site near Cooperstown. Not only does the guidebook offer directions and general information on North Dakota in the Cold War, it also provides a very basic understanding of a missile silo's components. Moreover, the volume offers a listing of facilities operated by county historical societies that serve to augment the state's historic sites. And, where appropriate, travelers are directed to restrooms, campgrounds, gift shops, and museums, as well as hours of operation and applicable fees. More than a road map or a tourist brochure, A Traveler's Companionprovides historical context for the state's historic sites by placing the locale into territorial, state, or national history. It does so in accessible language that encourages continued travel and exploration. If fault is to be found, and there can be but little discerned, a map or at least a listing of sites of interest within a brief drive might be included. While no map would find universal approval, one suggesting sites to comprise a day-trip (or longer) would be useful. Also, it would be a shame to miss the Gingras Trading Post while traveling to the Pembina State Museum. Teachers, travelers, armchair historians, and those simply wondering what to do with the kids on the weekend will surely find this book worth their time and treasure. Kimberly K. Porter University of North Dakota Grand Forks, North Dakota Copyright © 2018 Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln