In 1922 pioneer archeologist Dr. W. H. Over recorded the Brandon Village site, the only documented prehistoric fortified village in Minnehaha County. It is located one-half mile west of this spot, on top of a narrow ridge 85 feet above the flood plain, on the west side of the Big Sioux River. V-shaped erosional ravines provided protection from attack on three sides of this large village of 37 lodges. On the fourth side, villagers dug a fortification ditch as a barrier; Dr. Over believed that for additional defense a palisade of logs was erected. These people were of the Plains Village culture and were ancestors of the Missouri River Mandan. Dr. Over supervised extensive archeological excavations at the settlement in 1939-1940. From evidence recovered, he concluded that the site was occupied for a short time between 1000 to 1200 A.D. and then was evacuated suddenly. His theory was that a strong warring tribe brought about the villagers' departure. The Brandon Village site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.