Fort Randall, Military fort near Missouri River, South Dakota.
Fort Randall sits on the western bank of the Missouri River with preserved stone walls and building foundations from its original military structures built in 1856. The site features a parade ground with interpretive markers that explain the fort's layout and how soldiers used the various buildings.
The fort was established in 1856 and operated for decades as a military outpost on the frontier between settlers and Lakota territory. It later became a location where notable tribal leaders were held under guard, marking important moments in relations between the US government and Native nations.
This location served as a meeting point between military forces and local Lakota communities over many decades. The ruins and grounds today reflect how soldiers and Native peoples coexisted in this remote outpost and shaped one another's history.
The grounds are easy to walk through and offer clear views of all remaining structures throughout the site. Wear comfortable shoes and plan time to read the interpretive signs to understand what each building area was used for and where things were located.
This location served as a meeting point between high-ranking tribal leaders and the American military establishment during critical historical moments. These encounters and relationships between officials and indigenous leaders influenced larger negotiations over the future of Plains peoples.
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