Blood Run National Historic Landmark Master Plan

HDR; Confluence; Matrix Consulting Group, Inc.; Augustana College

From executive summary: "Straddling the Big Sioux River in Lyon County, Iowa, and Lincoln County, South Dakota, located about eight miles southeast of Downtown Sioux Falls, lies the remains of one of the most significant archaeological site complexes in North America: the Blood Run/Rock Island (13LO2/39LN2) National Historic Landmark (NHL). Although the NHL boundaries currently encompass 844 acres, the culturally significant area comprises an estimated 1,400 acres. The area, commonly referred to as Blood Run, is the largest known Oneota habitation documented to date. The core occupation of Blood Run spans a time frame of over two hundred years, ranging approximately from the year 1500 into the early 1700s. In addition to the cultural group known as Oneota, Blood Run was also occupied in historic times by the Omaha, Ponca, Ioway, Oto, and other Native American tribes. It is now widely believed that many of these historic, Siouan speaking tribes can directly trace their lineage to the Oneota peoples. Blood Run has a special meaning within the Native American community. The site has a long and storied history and is seen as a very sacred site for Native Americans to reflect upon their ancestors and their spirits. Blood Run got its name from the stream that runs through the site and empties into the Big Sioux River. The rocks along the stream are rich in iron ore and at one time may have leached into the stream giving the water a reddish tint. The site was a peaceful gathering location where various tribes came together. Based on various archaeological studies and historical documentation, the site contains countless burial mounds, cache pits, and other significant attributes. Not only is this site important for these cultural aspects, but the natural beauty that is present in the area is second to none. The combination of the meandering river, the bluffs overlooking the river valley on the South Dakota side, and the rolling hills found on the Iowa side paint an impressive picture. A stand of old growth oak forest and remnant native prairies also exist within Blood Run. Preserving these important site assets is of the utmost importance so that future generations will be able to learn the impressive story of Blood Run. Due to the close proximity of Sioux Falls and continued suburban development extending from the city center, the Blood Run site continues to be a threatened property. To minimize the degradation of Blood Run from continued expansion of housing subdivisions, sand and gravel extractions, and agricultural practices, preserving the remaining property needs to be top priority. The intent of this master planning document is to create a blueprint that accomplishes this goal of preserving the important aspects of Blood Run, while at the same time sharing the incredible history of the area, one that has been priceless to Native Americans for many generations." Funding for this item was provided in part through a 2010 Preserve America grant to the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 46-10-AP-5048) for the Blood Run (National Historic Landmark) State Park Master Plan project. The grant was administered by the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Preserve America is a federal initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the program include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

Blood Run National Historic Landmark Master Plan

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