Initial Rock, archaeological site in North Dakota
Initial Rock is an archaeological site in the North Dakota Badlands featuring a sandstone boulder with carved inscriptions. The stone displays names etched into its surface by two soldiers, with interpretive panels nearby providing historical context and information about the area.
In May 1876, the 7th Cavalry of the US Army camped near this location while traveling toward the Battle of Little Bighorn. Two soldiers, Private William C. Williams and Private Frank Neely, carved their names into the sandstone rock, and both survived the battle that followed.
The site is open year-round with free admission, ample parking, and restroom facilities available. Bring your own water supply as potable water is not provided, and be aware that the access road may become difficult to traverse during heavy rain or flooding.
Both soldiers who carved their names survived the Battle of Little Bighorn, which sets them apart from most others in that campaign. This fact makes the inscriptions a rare connection between survivors and the moment they passed through this remote landscape.
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