Fort Randall, Military fort near Missouri River, South Dakota.
Fort Randall is a historic military post on the western bank of the Missouri River in South Dakota, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stone walls, building foundations, and the partial remains of a chapel are all that remain of the original structures that once made up this frontier installation.
The post was established in 1856 to secure the frontier along the Missouri River during a period of westward expansion. It operated for several decades before being abandoned, and many of its wooden structures were dismantled or moved, leaving only the stone remains visible today.
The old chapel at Fort Randall is one of the few stone structures still standing, and it draws most visitors to the site. Its weathered walls give a sense of how remote and exposed life was for the soldiers stationed here on the open plains.
The site is open to walk around freely, and the main ruins are clearly marked with interpretive signs. A short walk covers most of the grounds, but comfortable footwear helps since parts of the terrain are uneven.
Sitting Bull was held at this site under military guard from 1881 to 1883, after surrendering to US forces in Canada. He was not held alone but arrived with a group of followers who chose to stay with him throughout his time here.
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