Pipestone national monument
Native Americans
The quarries are sacred to most of the tribe of North America, Dakota, Lakota, and other tribes of Native Americans, and were neutral territory where all Nations could quarry stone for ceremonial pipes. In 1928, the Yankton Sioux, then resettled on a reservation 150 miles (240 km) away, sold their claim to the federal government.
Fascinating Facts
There are 500 species of plants and 70 of them are grasses and they are all growing on Pipestone monument lands. Joseph Nicollet and John C. Frémont, famous 19th century explorers, visited Pipestone National Monument in 1838 and carved their initials into the Sioux Quartzite cliff.
The Three Maidens are actually granite glacial "erratic's" moved thousands of years ago to Pipestone National Monument by the glaciers originating in Canada.
History of the park
The Pipestone quarries are a significant site for many American Indian cultures. The site is still considered a sacred place by many who come to quarry or visit. As in the past, it is a place treated with reverence and respect. The National Monument was established by an act of Congress on August 25, 1937, and the establishing legislation restored quarrying rights to the Indians.
Climate and Activities
It is very sunny and cool and in winter monuments can be closed due to weather. During the summer there are cultural demonstrations. The Upper Midwest Indian Cultural Center, located inside the visitor center, sponsors demonstrations of pipe making by native craft workers using the stone from the quarries. Local Native Americans carve the stones using techniques passed down from their ancestors.
What and where is pipestone
Pipestone national monument has been around since 1937. Pipestone is located in southwestern Minnesota. This park is still sacred to many people.
Pipestone National Monument (Accessible Preview)