Charbonneau
Drowned by Progress
State: North Dakota
County: McKenzie County
Founded: 1914
Abandoned: 1960s
Peak Population: 300
Charbonneau was a Missouri River farming community named for Sacagawea's husband Toussaint Charbonneau. When Garrison Dam was built in the 1950s, Lake Sakakawea flooded the valley. Residents were forced to relocate.
River Town
Farming and ranching supported Charbonneau. The Missouri River bottomlands were fertile and productive.
The Dam
Garrison Dam created Lake Sakakawea, one of the largest reservoirs in the U.S. Charbonneau and other towns were deliberately flooded.
Timeline
- 1914 - Founded Settlement established
- 1950s - Dam Construction Garrison Dam built
- 1960s - Flooded Town submerged by Lake Sakakawea
Quick Facts
- Named for Sacagawea's husband
- Now underwater
- Part of Lake Sakakawea
Location
Address: Near Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota
Coordinates: 47.8, -102.9333