Понижение уровня воды в озере Сакаквея обнажило руины исторического города Санис

Remnants of historic Sanish town uncovered from low Lake Sakakawea levels FORT BERTHOLD RESERVATION, N.D. (KMOT) - Sometimes the most important stories lie beneath the surface. Lower water levels at Lake Sakakawea are uncovering important parts of our state’s history. It’s often referred to as “the big lake.” It also holds some unique history if you look underneath the surface or if the water dries up. “Up and down this lake, and I always think of stuff. I remember when that place used to be there and when did this get eroded away,” said Randy Desarly. With its lower water levels this season, Lake Sakakawea is uncovering pieces of Sanish, an old town vacated when the Garrison Dam was built. “Once they established the location, they knew the town of Sanish was one of the ones going to be flooded,” said Lorna Meidinger. The town of roughly 450 people was founded in 1915. When news of the dam started in 1940, community members were told they would need to move. Meidinger said residents were given priority choice on lots and locations in the new town. “Sanish and actually Van Hook ended up kind of combining together, and they found the area and established New Town,” said Meidinger. If you look to the right of the Four Bears Bridge coming from the east, you’ll see the remnants of this historic community. It’s personal for Desarly, as his parents, aunts and uncles went to school in Sanish. His grandparents even had to relocate their farmstead. “The farm was about two miles west of the bridge,” said Desarly. Desarly was born as the landscape was changing. It’s still something he carries with him as one of the last few people left from that time period. “I watched all this happen in my lifetime,” said Desarly. He’s owned a boat for as long as he can remember, and the same lake that provides a sense of peace also serves as a reminder of his family’s history. The dam was created for flood control of the Missouri River, agricultural irrigation and hydroelectricity. A new Sanish town was founded shortly after the creation of the lake, but it never really took off as a population center, as most moved to New Town. Copyright 2026 KFYR. All rights reserved.