Elk Point in Union County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Entering an Uncertain Land

Elk Point, South Dakota

— Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail —

Entering an Uncertain Land Marker image. Click for full size.

September 26, 2026

1. Entering an Uncertain Land Marker

Inscription. The Missouri Valley, up to this location, was well-known to French and British fur trappers. For decades, trappers navigated down the Big Sioux River and the lower Missouri toward St. Louis. Due to the intimidating presence of the Yankton and Teton Sioux, the fur trade dwindled upriver from the mouth of the Big Sioux.

President Jefferson instructed the Corps of Discovery to seek out Indian tribes and record their languages, populations, religions, customs, food, clothing, and especially their willingness to trade with the United States. Given one desertion, a fatality, and three court-martials with less than one-fourth of the journey completed, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were anxious as they prepared to fulfill Jefferson's orders by meeting with representatives of the Sioux Nations for the first time.

The Corps of Discovery first saw the conical tipis, used by the nomadic Northern Plains Indians, at the Yankton Sioux encampment. All illustrations by Linda Scarmon - 2001

"..above the Bluff we had the Prairie Set on fire to let the Soues See that we were on the river and as a Signal for them to Come to it."
William

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Clark, August 27, 1804

The Mysterious Mound
Artist's rendition of Spirit Mound
Strange stories abounded in this unfamiliar territory. One legend just 20 miles upriver involved a lone prairie hill inhabited by 18-inch-high "Deavels" armed with "Sharp arrows that can kill from a distance." The Indian tribes were said to avoid this hill, known today as Spirit Mound.

Erected by Lewis and Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 27, 1804.

Location. 42° 40.997′ N, 96° 41.611′ W. Marker is in Elk Point, South Dakota, in Union County. It can be reached from South Harrison Street ¼ mile south of West Jefferson Street. Located at the Lewis and Clark Wayside Exhibit in Heritage Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elk Point SD 57025, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark

Lewis and Clark's Campsite in Elk Point image. Click for full size.

September 26, 2026

2. Lewis and Clark's Campsite in Elk Point

Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

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 walking distance of this marker: The Lewis and Clark Expedition (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named A Land of Plenty (here, next to this marker); U.S. Democracy Cross the Mississippi River (here, next to this marker); Patrick Gass (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite (here, next to this marker); Flags of Elk Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis & Clark Campsite / Eli Wixson Farm Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elk Point (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk Point.

Other markers no longer nearby. Entering an Uncertain Land (has been replaced with this marker); A Land of Plenty (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker

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now near it); U.S. Democracy Crosses the Mississippi River (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2026. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 31, 2026.