News Release
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: Lauren Blacik, 507-825-5464, Ext. 211
On Saturday, May 11, 2019, from 11:00 am-12:00 noon, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will hold a rededication ceremony for the Nicollet Marker at Pipestone National Monument. The DAR recently restored the historic plaque commemorating the expedition that visited this region in 1938. The program will begin with remarks in the Visitor Center followed by a walk on the Circle Trail to view the marker. Refreshments will be provided by the DAR.
On Friday, May 10, Dr. Charles E. Umbanhowar, Jr., of St. Olaf’s College, will speak at 6:30-7:00 pm in the Pipestone National Monument Visitor Center auditorium about the importance of the Nicollet Expedition for understanding American Indian culture and history. Both events are free and open to the public.
Joseph Nicolas Nicollet [1786-1843] was a French geographer, mathematician, and astronomer, best known for mapping the Upper Mississippi River basin. He and 15 others visited the Pipestone quarry during his second of three journeys to the region. The group camped at the quarry for seven nights from June 29 to July 6, 1838. Some of their names are carved into the quartzite near Leaping Rock. The DAR installed a commemorative marker next to that spot in September 1925.
Nicollet showed great respect for the American Indian peoples and nations he encountered, though his expeditions and the others that followed facilitated the increasing westward expansion that would lead to untold hardship for Native peoples. “We invite the public to join the National Park Service in reflecting on this complex aspect of the region’s history,” said Monument Superintendent Lauren Blacik.
The DAR have had a pivotal role in creating the monument and installing, maintaining, and recently restoring the historic bronze plaque. They purchased the title to the land around the Three Maidens in an effort to protect the granite boulders. According to Ms. Faye Leach, the Minnesota State Regent of the Minnesota State Society Daughters of the American Revolution, “DAR records show they named their chapter the Catlinite Chapter as they hoped to aid in preserving the relics and traditions of the region.”
To learn more about the National Park Service and Pipestone National Monument, visit the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/pipe, contact a Park Ranger at 507-825-5464, Ext. 214, or email at e-mail us
www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/
Last updated: April 3, 2019