Ihanktonwan Nakota (Yankton Sioux) Chief Struck By The Ree played an influential role in saving the pipestone quarries in the face of rapid change and loss. His lifelong attempts to cultivate peace during times of violence and distrust were honored by three U.S. presidents. Learn more about this man who is central to the history of Pipestone National Monument.
Lakota spiritual leader Lame Deer bucked the trend of traditional medicine men in the 20th century. By his account he lived a paradoxical life of excitement and adventure before fully embracing the pipe religion and settling into his role as a holy man.
George Catlin was not the first white man to visit the pipestone quarries, but his artwork brought them to the attention and imagination of the Euro-American public. After sending a piece of pipestone to be scientifically analyzed for the first time, it was named "Catlinite" in his honor.
Oglala Lakota holy man Black Elk (1863-1950) made a lasting impact on the global understanding of 19th Century Plains Indian cultures and religions. Involved in some of the most notable events in the American West, Black Elk continues to be celebrated for his vision and his words.
Abigail (Abbie) Gardner survived the Spirit Lake Massacre of 1857 and was taken captive along with three other women by Inkpaduta's band. After 84 days, Abbie was released for a ransom (only one other woman survived and was also ransomed). Abbie later wrote a book about the experience and returned to the pipestone quarries, where she pointed out the location that Inkpaduta's band had camped to quarry stone while fleeing pursuers after the massacre.
A Frenchman who led three mapping expeditions in the area of the upper Mississippi River. His 1838 expedition was the first to map the area containing the pipestone quarries, which he and his crew camped at for approximately a week. He and other members of the expedition carved their names into a rock near the falls that later became the center marker inside the 1-square mile boundary of Pipestone Reservation.
As a court reporter in the case between the Ihanktonwan/Yankton Sioux Tribe and the federal government, Winifred Bartlett was sympathetic to the Yankton Sioux and was convinced the quarries required more protection than they received. As the first president of the Pipestone Indian Shrine Association, she was instrumental in the quarries being established as a national monument.
European fur traders and explorers documented and visited the quarries over 100 years before George Catlin made them famous. Learn more about their accounts, adventures, and exploits.
In 1838, Joseph Nicollet's expedition to map the region between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers came through the pipestone quarries. The expedition camped for several days at the quarries and six men carved their initials (still visible today) into one of the rocks near Winnewissa Falls. This article provides brief snapshots into the fascinating lives of these men.
