[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 59 (Thursday, May 3, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              SPIRIT MOUND

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President I rise today to recognize the 
Spirit Mound Trust and the State of South Dakota in their efforts to 
preserve and maintain the historic Spirit Mound site located near 
Vermillion, SD. Recently, 320 acres of the Spirit Mound site were 
acquired through the collaborative efforts and active involvement of 
the local community, the State of South Dakota and the Federal 
Government.
  On August 24, 1804, Lewis and Clark stopped near present day 
Vermillion, SD, and walked nearly 9 miles in temperatures over 100 
degrees to a hill that native people thought was inhabited by devils 
18-24 inches high. When Lewis and Clark reached the top of the mound, 
they saw the great northern plains buffalo herds below them, the 
beautiful Missouri River valley and even present day Iowa and Nebraska.
  As the Lewis and Clark bicentennial approaches, it is estimated that 
between 15-30 million enthusiasts will retrace the expedition's 
footsteps. This provides a unique opportunity for many to visit and 
enjoy South Dakota's beautiful and historic landscape. A restored 
Spirit Mound will significantly contribute to the public's appreciation 
of Native culture, the Lewis and Clark expedition and the natural 
beauty of South Dakota's prairie. Also, the W.H. Over Museum in 
Vermillion, SD, has established a Lewis and Clark/Spirit Mound Learning 
and Information Center. This center will help educate visitors about 
the historical role Spirit Mound played in the Lewis and Clark 
expedition.
  The Spirit Mound Trust, a group that has long advocated the 
preservation of the Spirit Mound site, was established in 1986 with the 
goal of raising the necessary money to purchase and restore the area to 
its native prairie landscape. The acquisition and restoration of Spirit 
Mound would not have become a reality if it were not for the leadership 
and perseverance of this local group. In the group's 15 year history, 
17 board members--past and present--are responsible for Spirit Mound's 
current preservation. Those members are: Larry Monfore, Dr. Loren 
Carlson, Mark Wetmore, Margaret Cash, Dr. William Farber, Dr. Thomas 
Gasque, Amond Hanson, Dr. Jim Heisinger, Dr. Jim Peterson, Charles 
Wetmore, James Antonen, Dr. Betty Asher, Dr. Leonard Brugier, Dr. Jerry 
Johnson, Jim Kruger, Dr. Fred Peabody, and Dr. Webster Sill.
  Governor William J. Janklow and his staff also played an important 
role in the acquisition of the Spirit Mound site. Governor Janklow has 
been steadfast in his support for state participation in the Spirit 
Mound project. Tim Bjork, who is the director of the South Dakota Parks 
and Wildlife Foundation, negotiated the purchase price of the land. 
Without his leadership and tenacity, the acquisition of Spirit Mound 
would have never been accomplished.
  I would also be remiss if I did not thank my former staff member and 
Vermillion native, Sarah Dahlin. Because of her tireless work and 
dedication to this project, we are now able to celebrate the eventual 
preservation of one of the very few physical features of the Upper 
Missouri River readily identifiable as a place where Lewis and Clark 
actually stood. With Sarah's assistance, I am pleased that we were able 
to secure sufficient federal funds to purchase the Spirit Mound acreage 
and to pass legislation authorizing this unique federal-state 
partnership.
  Future generations will thank all of those who have sacrificed time, 
effort and money for this project. The preservation of Spirit Mound 
will enable all Americans to better appreciate what the Lewis and Clark 
Corps of Discovery experienced nearly 200 years ago.

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