Pillars of the Nation - McKennan Park
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member stlee
N 43° 31.946 W 096° 43.420
14T E 683932 N 4822460
Pillars representing rocks from 48 states.
Waymark Code: WMD902
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 12/06/2011
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member lenron
Views: 18

In the 1940's with the 2nd World War threatening, Oscar Ellefson designed and proposed the building of two pillars made of stones native to each of the 48 states, which would symbolize the unity and strength of the nation. With the help of the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, letters were written to each state capital requesting specimens of local stone. All states readily responded and two pillars were built in August of 1941.

Emil Christianson of Minnesota earlier had donated native SD stone, fossils and Indian artifacts to build the 2 older pillars.

In 1999 the Parks Department refurbished all 4 pillars.
Type of Display: Geological

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