Winnewissa Falls on the Circle
Trail, and two historic images--group of American Indians
at the quarries, c.1901, and Looking Eagle carving a pipe
in 1940
Courtesy of Lorraine Draper, Pipestone County Museum,
and Pipestone National Monument |
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Pipestone National Monument, created by an act of Congress in 1937,
is an area of ethnological, archeological and historical significance
that preserves the pipestone quarries in a natural prairie setting.
For centuries American Indians have come to this site to quarry
the red stone called pipestone. Through the years pipes carved from
pipestone have been used for many purposes: to show intention for
war or peace, to seal agreements and treaties, for trade, and for
religious ceremonies. Today, only American Indians may remove the
soft red stone from the area.
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American Indian quarrying for
pipestone.
Courtesy of Lorraine Draper |
The United States government's policy toward American Indians shifted
in the 1930s with the introduction of John Collier as Commissioner
of Indian Affairs. Appointed by Harold Ikes, Collier brought about
reforms in Indian policy promoting cultural preservation and tribal
self-government for American Indians. In preserving the sacred pipestone
quarry for tribal use only, the U.S. government recognized the importance
and heritage of the people who first populated the area.
The soft red stone is found in a vein between layers of the harder
red Sioux quartzite. Methods of quarrying have changed little since
the process began. Quarrying is a laborious task involving weeks
of work with hand tools, including sledgehammers, pry bars, sharp
chisels, and metal wedges. The experience of the quarrier is also
a major legacy of the monument. Many of the quarry pits have walls
of quartzite rubble, which represent the physical efforts of generations
of quarriers. Pipestone National Monument preserves the mile-long
quarry line for continued use by members of all American Indian
tribes.
Attractions at the site include operating quarries, native plants,
rock formations, Winnewissa Falls, Leaping Rock, and a marker from
the Nicollet Expedition. The visitor's center includes interpretive
displays, films and information. A cultural center helps to explain
the art of pipemaking and American Indian work.
Pipestone National Monument is administered by the National
Park Service and is open to the public daily. Pipestone National
Monument is located just north of the city of Pipestone. Follow
signs from U.S. Rte. 75, Minn. Rte. 23, or Minn. Rte. 30. Admission
is charged. For further information, visit their website
or call 507-825-5464.
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