Wounded Knee cemetery, Memorial cemetery in Pine Ridge Reservation, US
Wounded Knee cemetery is a memorial site on the Pine Ridge Reservation containing both individual graves and a mass burial area marked by a central monument. The grounds include interpretive signs that explain the history and significance of the location to visitors.
This location was the site of a deadly conflict in 1890 between U.S. Army troops and Lakota Sioux people that resulted in hundreds of deaths. The event is now remembered as a tragic chapter in the history of relations between the U.S. government and Native Americans.
This site serves as a place of remembrance for Lakota and other Native American families who visit to honor their ancestors. Visitors can see prayer scarves and personal offerings left by descendants, showing how this connection to the deceased remains living and active today.
The cemetery is open to the public, but visitors should approach the site with respect and follow any guidelines posted on the grounds. Plan to spend unhurried time exploring and reflecting on the significance of the location.
The cemetery contains graves from different periods, with some burials occurring many years after the initial event, showing how the mourning and commemoration extended over time. This layering of graves reveals the long shadow the tragedy cast across generations.
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