Council Rock ~ Indian Capitol of the Dakota's
Posted by: 
MNSearchers
N 44° 55.060 W 098° 30.740
14T E 538490 N 4973919
The Sioux tribes established near here, Council Rock as a central meeting place for all the bands.
Waymark Code: WM18D9
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 02/22/2007
Views: 42
Using a black oviate rock measuring 6"x11" surrounded by a circle of stones 15 feet in diameter, representatives of each tribe sat with feet extended toward the Council Rock to settle affairs of the Sioux nation. The site had religious significance and was maintained as a sanctuary from war and strife. As man as 3,000 Teton, Santee, Yanton and Yanktonal gathered here annually for a great Trade Fair where goods were bartered among the tribes. Needy persons could always find supplies here.
Prehistoric Indian people selected the general area because of the protection afforded by the James River and the high elevation of the terrain. Later the historic Indian people settled in this vicinity and later still, pioneers filed homesteads around Old Ashton, the first county seat of Spink county.
In 1939 the Daughters of the American Revolution and county school children made a rejporduction of the original stone and placed it approximately twenty rods south of the original site.
Marker Name: Council Rock ~ Indian Capitol of the Dakota's
Marker Type: Roadside
Marker Text: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
A photo of the 'Marker' or 'Plaque' is required to identify the location, plus a picture of the 'Historic Site'. If you do not post a photo your log will be deleted.