Forest City in Dewey County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Chargers Camp
Cheyenne Agency 1891-1958/1959
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, May 20, 2022
1. Chargers Camp Marker
Leader of the Fool Soldiers, Martin Charger established a permanent camp here midway between the Cheyenne and Moreau rivers on the west bank of the Missouri River. In October 1804 the Lewis and Clark Expedition encamped just to the west of this location. Charger is renowned for leading a small group of Lakota warriors in a rescue of the Shetak Captives, nine women and children, captured by the Dakota during the 1862 Minnesota uprising. In a gesture of goodwill and to honor him for the role that he played in the rescue, officials almost took the name Chargers Camp as the name for the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Agency, which was moved here in 1891. In 1958/1959 when the river was flooded in order to create Lake Oahe, the tribe was forced by the federal government to abandon this location and relocate the tribal headquarters to Eagle Butte.
Erected by Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (C.R.S.T.) Preservation Office.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1804.
Location. 45° 1.72′ N, 100° 17.863′ W. Marker is in Forest City, South Dakota, in Dewey County. Marker is on U.S. 212 (U.S. 212). The marker is located in a rest area overlook on the west side of the Missouri River
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Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Original Site Medicine Rock (approx. 3.8 miles away).
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, May 20, 2022
2. Chargers Camp Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2023, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2023, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
