Last updated: January 12, 2024
Place
Nicollet Marker
N. Barber
Quick Facts
Location:
Near Leaping Rock on the cliff line to the north of the waterfall.
Significance:
Where Nicollet and men from his 1838 expedition (including John C. Fremont) carved their initials into a rock. This was later used as the center point for the Pipestone Reservation.
Amenities
2 listed
Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
The initials on this rock were carved by the French scientist and explorer Joseph Nicollet and members of his 1838 expedition. This was the first US government-sponsored expedition to the quarries, resulting in the first accurate map of the upper Mississippi and Missouri river basins (which includes Minnesota).
In 1858, Dakota leader Struck-By-The-Ree refused to move his people to a reservation 150 miles south unless they were guaranteed the right to quarry pipestone. The government agreed and the quarries were turned into a 1-square-mile reservation. The Nicollet Marker was used as its center point.
In 1858, Dakota leader Struck-By-The-Ree refused to move his people to a reservation 150 miles south unless they were guaranteed the right to quarry pipestone. The government agreed and the quarries were turned into a 1-square-mile reservation. The Nicollet Marker was used as its center point.