Pipestone in Pipestone County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Three Maidens
Pipestone National Monument
| | National Park Service, U.S.Department of the Interior | |
September 6, 2024
1. Three Maidens Marker
Many American Indians believe that the larger boulder fragments known as the Three Maidens shelter the spirits of maidens who require offerings from visiting Indians before permitting them to quarry pipestone. During a visit here in 1836, artist George Catlin recorded his observations of such an offering and called these rocks, "truly a matter of surprise for the scientific world."
These huge granite rocks seem out of place in a land filled with only quartzite. During the last Ice Age, a continental glacier carried the granite down from present-day Canada. When the glacier receded, it left behind a huge boulder about 50 feet in diameter. Frosting action eventually split this glacial "erratic" into six pieces.
The Three Maidens are held sacred by American Indians. To preserve the sanctity of this site do not climb on the boulders. Do not disturb or remove any prayer offerings placed here. Please respect this special place.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Environment • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 44° 0.549′ N, 96° 19.285′
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Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Minnesota. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and on the Great 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, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Song of Hiawatha Pageant Park (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Prairie: Past and Present (approx. 0.3 miles away); Quarry Layers (approx. 0.3 miles away); Connection to the Earth Mother (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pipestone Pilgrimage (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sustaining the Sacred (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pipestone Creek (approx. 0.4 miles away); Rock Island Depot (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pipestone.
Also see . . .
1. The Three Maidens (U.S. National Park Service). (Submitted on September 13, 2024.)
2. Pipestone Quarry on the Coteau des Prairies | Smithsonian American Art Museum. (Submitted on September 13, 2024.)
September 6, 2024
2. Three Maidens & Marker
September 6, 2024
3. Three Maidens
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2024. This page has been viewed 789 times since then and 111 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 12, 2024. 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2024.
