Gettysburg in Potter County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Medicine Rock
May 4, 2024
1. Medicine Rock Marker
White men, ascending the Missouri, observed this huge rock on a hillside and were told by the Indians it was a Sacred Rock, because of the deeply incised foot prints. In 1863 when Sully's Expedition against the hostile Sioux was nearby, Capt. John Fielner rode alone to see the rock, was ambushed by Indians and killed.
On August 17, 1889 casts of these prints, believed by the Indians to have been made by the Great Spirit were taken. These prints then taken are cast in concrete alongside the rock. The natural wear over 65 years is thus illustrated.
Erected 1954 by Potter County and South Dakota Historical Societies. (Marker Number 24.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 17, 1889.
Location. 45° 0.695′ N, 99° 57.485′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, South Dakota, in Potter County. Marker is on West Commercial Avenue east of South Platte Street, on the left when traveling east.
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Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Potter County, South Dakota Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Potter County, South Dakota Veteran's Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gettysburg, South Dakota (approx. 0.2 miles away); Schlachter Building (approx. 0.2 miles away).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Rediscovering Íŋyaŋ Phežúta, the lost Medicine Rock of the Lakota - West River Eagle. (Submitted on May 7, 2024.)
2. The Medicine Rock of South Dakota - Rootstalk. (Submitted on May 7, 2024.)
May 4, 2024
2. Medicine Rock Marker
May 4, 2024
3. Medicine Rock Marker, from the east
May 4, 2024
4. Medicine Rock on exhibit at the Dakota Sunset Museum
May 4, 2024
5. Negative Casts of the prints in the Medicine Rock
May 4, 2024
6. Part of the Medicine Rock Exhibit
Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2024. This page has been viewed 54 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 7, 2024.
