Lake Andes and Pickstown, South Dakota
Our
visit to Lake Andes, SD was very enjoyable. We had lunch at the Fort Randall
Hotel and Casino, on Hwy 46, in Lake Andes, South Dakota. Rich enjoyed the
buffet while I had a salad on frybread.
We found the food excellent. We spent some time in the Casino gift shop and of course some on the gaming floor.
Unfortunately it was not our day to walk away winners.
This hotel and casino are owned and operated by the Yankton Sioux and is part of the South Dakota Lewis and Clark Trail.
We
frequently saw signs for the Lewis and Clark Trail. The trail follows the
Missouri River through South Dakota. We proceeded 3 miles west to the intersection
of US Hwy 18 and 281 in Pickstown, SD, where we found the historic Fort
Randall Dam and Military Post.
The Fort Randall Military Post, built in 1856 on the south side of the river just below the dam, was established to keep peace on the frontier and served as a major navigation link to the Missouri River.
The
Fort Randall Military Post, named for Colonel Daniel Randall, served many
functions from the time it was built in 1856 until the fort was abandoned
in 1892.
During that time, the post provided military protection to settlements along the Missouri River, escorted many wagon trains and survey parties, and served as the central military supply depot for the area.
The fort was abandoned in 1892, but the remains of the old parade ground, excavations of foundations of buildings and the standing ruins of the old chalkstone chapel are still visible.
We
took the self guided tour through the excavated buildings and learned alot
about fort life in the late 1800's. The cemetery was interesting and the
chalkstone chapel was fasinating.
The arcitecture was very interesting to study. As this picture shows you, it is being preserved under new shelter.
Part of the history we learned about included the fact that Sitting Bull was a prisoner here for a short time following his surrender in Canada.
Additonal pictures that we would like to share:
