![]() Finally, the little girls were spotted, but alas, they were surrounded by a pack of hungry bears. Search parties were hurriedly formed and dispatched in all directions. Several little girls had wandered off and now were presumed to be lost. Then one day, as the travelers moved cautiously through the rough pine-studded hills, an alarm was hastily relayed through the column. Bears were numerous in the rough piney hills, but no one feared them as they rarely attacked human beings unless wounded, sick or hungry. To the southeast, the Black Hills appeared, hazily black. Accordingly, further orders were heralded all along the line.Īfter many days of marching, the Lakota caravan encountered rugged terrain. The leaders sat in council and studied the reports of the scouts. All along the column, there were hurried preparations for the noon meal. When the sun was directly overhead, the caravan halted. Young children romped and played as they moved along. Braves not assigned to duty paired off with young maids. New babies arrived without trouble as the caravan moved along. Matrons moved in groups and exchanged news while caring for the children. Socializing was an enjoyable aspect of the march. Dignitaries, pack carriers and the Petilegha Yuhá ( carriers of the perpetual fire) brought up the rear. The leaders of the march kept the long column informed of travel orders by heralds who shuttled back and forth as the caravan moved along. ![]() Within this cordon of alert scouts, the marchers were safe from surprise attacks. The flanking scouts moved up and down each side of the moving caravan, keeping a sharp eye for possible enemy movements, also watching for animals to supply fresh meat for the caravan. Their task was to blaze a trail for the others to travel while scouting for water facilities, hunting prospects, natural protective fortifications, and good camping sites. The excitement of new country, new experiences and the prospect of what lay beyond yonder hill held a thrill of expectation for all. Everyone, young and old, was in an anticipatory mood. Such journeys were always leisurely, well-ordered and pleasurable. Thus, it is told, one time, a caravan of Teton Lakota was slowly moving toward the Black Hills to harvest the many varieties of fruit abounding there. They lived by the hunt, so they followed the grazing herds of Buffalo, and from early springtime to autumn, they gathered fruit and edible vegetation. They made journeys to the northern woods to gather the sweet juices of the maple tree. They knew where to find pigments for their paints. Please confirm directly with service providers.The Teton Lakota were great travelers, their journeys covering much of North America. Information was updated January 2022, but can change without notice. There are no hookups, showers, or laundry facilities. Tower Trail- Paved, close up views of the tower, exhibits along the trail, 1.3 mi (2 km).Ĭampsites: The Belle Fourche River Campground has tent and RV sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.Please note that pets are not allowed on the trails and they are not recommended for wheelchairs. Hiking Trails: There are many hiking trails at Devils Tower National Monument. It’s open on a limited basis so you should confirm current hours here. Visitor Centre: The visitor centre/bookstore has exhibits about the history and geology of the tower. Confirm operating hours here.Īdmission: Entrance fees for Devils Tower are charged per vehicle and the park pass is valid for 7 days. Hours: Devils Tower National Monument is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Drive time from Spearfish to Devils Tower was one hour. ![]() 14 to the Devils Tower Junction (State Hwy. We visited from Spearfish, South Dakota and took I-90 to Sundance, then U.S. Getting There: Devils Tower is located in northeast Wyoming. The marks of the bear’s claws are there yet, too. The rock continued to rise until the girls were safely pushed up into the sky, where they are to this day as a group of seven little stars (the Pleiades constellation). The bear continued to scratch at the rock, but broke its claws and fell to the ground. The bear jumped and clawed the rock, trying to grab the girls but they were out of reach. The rock heard the girls’ pleas and began to rise upwards, pushing them higher and higher. The girls jumped on a rock, about three feet high, and began praying, “Rock, take pity on us. They started running back towards their camp, but the bear was about to catch them. As the girls played, suddenly a bear began to chase them. The area was home to a great number of bears. One day, seven small girls were playing off in the distance from their tribe’s camp on the river. Here is my retelling of the popular legend: There are several similar Native American legends about Devils Tower that have been passed down through the years, but the one I first read is from the Kiowa Tribe.
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