The History of Badlands National Monument and the White River (Big) Badlands of South Dakota

by Ray H. Mattison; Robert A. Grom

CONTENTS

[Introduction] 7 [Chronology of Badlands National Monument and the White River (Big) Badlands] 9 [Early Indians and Explorers] 11 [The Settlers Come] 23 [Legislation for Park Establishment] 27 [The Depression Years] 37 [Early Development of the National Monument] 43 [Mission 66 Development] 59 APPENDIX [A Annual Visitor Use, 1938-1967] 65 [B Custodians and Superintendents of Badlands National Monument] 67 [C Picture Credits] 69 [D Footnotes and References] 71 [E Map of Badlands National Monument] 79

INTRODUCTION

In 1951 the National Park Service (NPS) launched the concept of developing a documented history for each unit of the national park system. Known since 1984 as “park” histories, the studies were to be general in scope, spanning the history of each area with emphasis on park origin, legislation, visitor use, and all aspects of management.

Although sporadic research on local area history was done by the NPS in the 1950’s and early 1960’s, comprehensive research studies that finally led to a park history for Badlands National Monument did not start until 1964. In that year Ray H. Mattison, former Visitor Services Coordinator and Historian for the Midwest Region of the NPS, began the project by selecting some 300 pages of reference materials from the National Archives. Additional bibliographical materials were located in the Congressional Record, NPS historical files, and elsewhere. Former Chief Park Naturalist Robert A. Grom of Badlands National Monument did much in gathering photographs, maps, and historical data, and in writing additions and revising parts of the various drafts prepared by Mattison. By the end of 1965 a manuscript was completed, but publication was delayed. Mattison retired from the NPS in 1965 and Grom was transferred in May 1966.

In 1967 more historical evidence came to light which resulted in the editing, updating, and expanding of the 1965 manuscript. Much of this work was done by Joanne W. Stockert, wife of the Chief Park Naturalist. Copies of all documents and references not found locally but which were used as bibliography in the final manuscript were obtained for the files or library of Badlands National Monument. For those who are interested in learning how this national monument has evolved to the present time, the Badlands Natural History Association has published this history with the hope that it will provide a basic source of historical information on Badlands National Monument.

John W. Stockert Executive Secretary Badlands Natural History Association

February 19, 1968

CHRONOLOGY OF BADLANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT AND THE WHITE RIVER (BIG) BADLANDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

1823—First known party of white men, led by fur-trader Jedediah Smith, passed through the White River Badlands. 1849—First scientific party, under Dr. John Evans, collected paleontological specimens from the Badlands. 1855—The General William Harney Expedition, en route from Fort Laramie to Fort Pierre, passed through the present national monument. 1868—Present western South Dakota reserved to the Sioux by Fort Laramie Treaty. 1874—Dr. O. C. Marsh, distinguished Yale scientist, and party visited Badlands region. 1890—Much of the Badlands restored to public domain to be opened eventually to white settlement. A band of Sioux, under Chief Big Foot, passed through the area of the present national monument en route to Wounded Knee, where many were killed in battle with the army. 1907—The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad built through Interior near southern boundary of area, The Chicago and North Western Railway constructed through Philip and Wall near northern boundary. 1909—The South Dakota Legislature petitioned Congress to set aside a township in the Badlands region for a national park. 1922—Senator Peter Norbeck introduced the first bill in Congress to make a portion of the Badlands a national park. 1929—Badlands National Monument, comprising some 50,830 acres, authorized by Congress. 1936—Law enacted authorizing enlargement of the proposed national monument to 250,000 acres by presidential proclamation. 1939—Badlands National Monument, comprising about 150,000 acres, established by presidential proclamation. 1952—Congress authorized reduction in size of national monument. Area reduced by about 27,000 acres. 1957—Area further reduced by approximately 11,000 acres, leaving the national monument with an official acreage of 111,529.82 acres. 1959—Visitor center completed. Badlands National Monument dedicated by Secretary of the Interior Fred A. Seaton. 1963—Bison reintroduced to the Badlands. 1964—Bighorn reintroduced to the Badlands. Cedar Pass Lodge acquired by the National Park Service.