Blood Run Native American Historical Site - near Sioux Falls

View of Blood Run

At first glance, the Blood Run National Historic Landmark looks like other hilly, wooded river bottom land - extraordinarily beautiful. But several things mark it as unique. First, it is like a natural island in a sea of residential and commercial development near Sioux Falls. Second, on close and educated examination, there are signs of past human habitation everywhere. In fact, it is one of the oldest sites of human habitation in the United States, dating back 8500 years. It is land that should be in public ownership.

The 1200 plus acre site, which straddles the Big Sioux River in both Iowa and South Dakota in the southeast part of our state, takes its name from the legend of a battle between Native tribes that made the water of a nearby creek run red. Native Americans chose the site because of its river access, deep bottom lands protecting them against the wind, and rich soils, useful wild plants, game, and forests.

The site was inhabited between 1300-1750 by people of the Oneota culture, including the Omaha, Ioway, Oto and Yankton Sioux Tribes. These tribes combined hunting and gathering with agriculture and lived in semi-permanent villages. By 1700, Blood Run was a significant cultural center for ceremonial, trade and social purposes and sometimes was simultaneously inhabited by as many as 6000 Native Americans. Unfortunately, disease virtually decimated the Oneotas over the next three decades following the discovery of the site by French fur traders.

Seventy-six burial mounds, refuse pits, and signs of geometrical earthen enclosures remain visible. Pottery, tools, trade goods and jewelry have been placed in safekeeping and more are awaiting discovery. The site is a "time capsule" of Native culture. No other Oneota site of such size and integrity survives in the U.S.

The site was named a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and meets the criteria for a National Historic site. It would make a beautiful State Park at the edge of the growing community of Sioux Falls.

The vision for the South Dakota portion of the project includes purchase of land from willing landowners, development of trails, interpretive sites and a world class visitor center. The economic, historic, cultural, and recreational value to eastern South Dakota is significant. The opportunity to preserve a vital piece of Native American history is unmatched. But pressure to develop the site for homes and businesses increases each year.

GFP has applied for Federal funding and has secured an option toÂ purchase from the most important landowner on the South Dakota side of the site.Â The Foundation plans a $1,300,000 campaign to secure the remainder of the funding needed for development of a master plan and site purchase.

With the help of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Forward Sioux Falls, and the U.S. government, South Dakota purchased nearly 200 acres of the area in 1996. The State of Iowa controls a similar amount of land but some of the most scenic and unique natural resources found at this site remain in private ownership. Purchase of these lands would pave the way to opening a new state park in an ideal location near the largest population base in South Dakota.

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