Near Pickstown in Gregory County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Guardian of the Frontier

— Missouri National Recreational River —

October 21, 2023

1. Guardian of the Frontier Marker

Inscription. On the plain below stand the ruins of Fort Randall's chapel, the sole aboveground remains of a once bustling frontier post. Soldiers from Fort Randall—the U.S. Army's principal military and supply post on the Upper Missouri, 1856–92—protected settlers crossing the plains, monitored the Sioux and other regional tribes, and provided supplies to a chain of forts extending westward to the northern Rockies.

Besides participating in numerous campaigns against the tribes, the troops tried to keep miners out of sacred tribal lands encompassing the Black Hills. By the time the Army abandoned the fort, the region was permanently settled.

Captions:
Soldiers issuing blankets to the Sioux at Fort Randall in 1882
Chief Sitting Bull, of Little Bighorn fame, was imprisoned at the fort for two years.
This bird's-eye view shows Fort Randall's extent in the 1870s, before the chapel was built.

Erected by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. 43° 2.573′ N, 98° 34.357′ W. Marker is near Pickstown

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, South Dakota, in Gregory County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 18 west of Toe Road West, on the right when traveling east. Located at a scenic overlook west of the Fort Randall Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fairfax SD 57335, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Randall Dam - Lake Francis Case (here, next to this marker); The Great Missouri River (here, next to this marker); Fort Randall Cemetery (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Fort Randall Cemetery (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Randall Cemetery (about 700 feet away); Fort Randall (approx. 0.7 miles away); Spiritual & Social Sustenance (approx. 0.7 miles away); Plat of Fort Randall (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pickstown.

October 21, 2023

2. Guardian of the Frontier Marker

The ruins of Fort Randall's chapel can be seen in the distance.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2023. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2023.