Running Water in Bon Homme County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Missouri River

Niobrara River Valley: Sacred land and water

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 17, 2026

1. Missouri River Marker

Inscription.

The Ponca Tribe had several villages in the area: NaNza (Ponca Fort) and toNwoN hubthaN (Fish Smell village), both near present day Verdel; and toNwoN uga ska (White Paint Village) and Backing Water, both of which were on the Bazile Creek.

Chief Standing Bear
Chief Standing Bear was born on Ponca land, near the mouth of the Niobrara, in what is now Nebraska around 1834. After his tribe was relocated by the US Government to Indian Territory his people suffered in their new land and many died including his son.

While returning his son to his native homeland for burial, he was arrested. His trial brought national attention to the plight of the Native American tribes; he became an advocate for Indian Rights.

[Portrait of Chief Standing Bear]
"I am a man. The same God made us both."

[Left illustration captions read]
• Niobrara Valley
• Ponca Indians encamped on the banks of the Missouri River - Karl Bodmer 1833

River as Life's Source
Water is essential for life, Ni' (water) is the life blood of our people and all living things. The rivers and streams in the area were used for many things, including fishing,

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travel, trade, and irrigation of the crops. Ceremonial events took place near waterways in the landscape and influenced where villages were located

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.

Location. 42° 46.178′ N, 97° 59.412′ W. Marker is in Running Water, South Dakota, in Bon Homme County. It is on State Highway 37, on the right when traveling south. Marker is at the Missouri River Overlook, adjacent to the Standing Bear Memorial Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springfield SD 57062, 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 Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 17, 2026

2. Missouri River Marker

Standing Bear Bridge in background

of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Up the Missouri (here, next to this marker); The Missouri (a few steps from this marker); Charles D. Adler (a few steps from this marker); The Sage Brothers (approx. 2½ miles away in Nebraska); Life After the Expedition (approx. 2.6 miles away in Nebraska); J. Alan Cramer Interpretive Shelter (approx. 3.1 miles away in Nebraska); Lewis and Clark Expedition (approx. 3.1 miles away in Nebraska); They Opened The West (approx. 3.1 miles away in Nebraska). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Running Water.

Also see . . . Chief Standing Bear. (Submitted on September 25, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Missouri River and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 17, 2026

3. Missouri River and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 25, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.