Walter Dunning Powell was born at Vinton, Iowa. His family moved to Dakota Territory in 1883 and in 1900 Mr. Powell moved to Casselton, North Dakota.  Mr. Powell was very interested in early history and archaeology and in May, 1936, discovered a Mandan Village near Menoken, believed to be that visited by Verendrye in 1738. This site is now a state park. He also discovered a fortified village 40 miles west of Fargo, at Maple Creek, believed to be of Mandan Indians.  Mr. Powell was a member of Shiloh Masonic Lodge, York Rite bodies and El Zagal Temple of the Shrine, of Fargo. He was also a member of the North Dakota State Historical Society since 1900.

The Powell Collection contains correspondence, manuscripts and subject files.  Included is correspondence with Charles Haas, John Davis, Hjalmar Holand, Martin Kavanaugh, Rev. D'Eschombault of St. Boniface College, Orlin Oium, Esther Burnett Horne, Harry Lynn, Roy Johnson, the St. Louis Library, and the Alexandria, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (1937-1958).  Among the manuscripts are numerous works on explorers including Alexander Henry, David Thompson, Lewis and Clark, and La Verendrye. There are also writings on Sakakawea, and a great deal on the Mandan Indians and their connections with Verendrye (1738) and the Vikings (1362), as well as a work entitled The Master, a history of the Earth. 

Local and Ethnic History