Established in 1914 on the east bank of the Missouri River, the village of Sanish was named after the Arikara word meaning real or friendly people. Early Indians also called this area Old Crossing because great buffalo herds crossed here on their annual migrations. Sanish became an important grain and livestock shipping center in the midst of a large agricultural area, and in its heyday more than 450 people lived there and operated 54 different businesses. The Verendrye Bridge was completed in 1927. The town was officially abandoned on April 29, 1953, when water began to fill the reservoir behind the newly constructed Garrison Dam. Although New Sanish was established, most residents of Sanish and the inundated communities of Elbowoods and Van Hook relocated to the present-day community of New Town, and many buildings from those three towns were moved there as well. During periods of low water, foundations of the Sanish grain elevators can still be seen in Sanish Bay, and the prominent hills emerge as islands.