Pierre, South Dakota (pronounced Pier) lays along the mighty Missouri River. We camped at the Municipal Campground on the shore of the river. Full hookups were available for $15.00 per night in spacious sites. The camping area was situated within Griffin Park, which attracted many joggers, walkers, and picnickers. The park was also conveniently located across the street from a hospital.
The next day we did the obligatory tour of the capital building. The building, finished in 1910, houses all the branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. Friendliness of the staff is the hallmark of the capital building. The tour is self-guided. Not only security, but also the janitorial staff are proud to point out idiosyncrasies in the building.
Every building has its secrets. This capital is no exception. Sixty-six artisans were invited from Italy to work on the mosaics on the floors of the building. As the custom warrants, they would place their names on their work. The architect refused to let them mar the flooring. Instead each artisan was represented by a blue tile scattered throughout the building. Of the sixty-six tiles only fifty-five have been located. According to the janitor the others are probably hidden by display cases and other immovable furniture. During the restoration in the late 1970s some of the flooring had to be repaired. The artisans, who completed this work, were given red heart shaped stones for their signature.
Another interesting fact about the capital is on the grand staircase. Near the top one of the balusters has been turned upside down. Was this a prank from a disgruntled worker, or just a mistake?
Our next stop was the Cultural Heritage Center. South Dakota was the home to the Oceti Sakowin, aka the Sioux Nation, some of the artifacts displayed are an impressive Sioux Horse Effigy and a Ghost dance shirt from the massacre at Wounded Knee in the 1890s. Another interesting artifact is a plaque placed by Peter Gaultier de la Verendrye in 1741, claiming the land for Louis XV. This was found by teenagers in 1913 on a hilltop across the Missouri River in Ft. Pierre. I thought that this name was very familiar. It turned out that this is the same Verendrye who frequented la Grand Portage, which happened to be our ultimate destination for this trip.
What struck me about Pierre is the topography. I was expecting Midwest flatlands. Instead Pierre is surrounded by rolling hills lush in vegetation. Perhaps this is due to the presence of the Missouri River running through it.
On to Rte 83 again. This time we took another detour past Mobridge, SD to visit the grave of Sitting Bull, the great Sioux chief. In his honor, I played "Farewell to the Warrior" on my native flute. His grave overlooks the Missouri River, a view which he frequently enjoyed, since he was born about five miles from the site. Nearby is a statue of Sacagawea, who guided Lewis and Clark.
John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a full-time RVer, who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. Hae has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures, links, and more information visit http://www.jmpelley.org.
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