Near Gettysburg in Potter County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Original Site Medicine Rock
2.6 miles
Photographed by Connor Olson, October 17, 2021
1. Original Site Medicine Rock Marker
Don't look now. Because that site is normally under 50 feet of water. 125 feet from the shore at a point 1.15 miles northeast along a meandering shore line, from the point this road finally runs into the Oahe Reservoir.
It was a landmark in its day. It was a sacred rock, a flat limestone about 12 x 20 (now to be seen - on US 212 in Gettysburg, 15 miles east). It lay on a hillside just South of the Little Cheyenne River and the man's footprints and other tracks on it, were regarded as sacred by the Sioux Indians and probably generations before them.
First observed by the Atkinson-OFallon Peace Treaty expedition of 1823, it was variously commented on by later river travelers.
When Sully's expedition of 1863 was a short distance away, Captain John Fielner made a solo jaunt to see the rock. Observed by some Indians, who coveted his horse and gear, they killed him. Sully pursued them, captured and and beheaded them, placing their heads on high poles as a warning to Indians who killed without cause. If you do take a look when you get to the water's edge, you will be about a mile from Old Forest City, Potter County's first county seat now under about 90 feet of water. It too was famous in its day.
Erected 1967 by South Dakota State Historical
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 45° 0.563′ N, 100° 13.528′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, South Dakota, in Potter County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 212 and 296th Avenue, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 212. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gettysburg SD 57442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in East River. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Nača Inyanska Unwayu Onihan Owakpamni Tanni Oasnikiye (approx. 3.6 miles away); Naca Monument (approx. 3.6 miles away); Chargers Camp (approx. 3.8 miles away).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed by Connor Olson, October 17, 2021
3. Original Site Medicine Rock Marker
The marker is to the far left in this view.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,056 times since then and 101 times this year. Last updated on October 20, 2021. Photos: 1. submitted on October 19, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on October 31, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on October 19, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
