More than 150 National Monuments have been dedicated to protecting sites of historical, cultural, and ecological significance across the national and territories across the country – several located in the Black Hills and Badlands!
From the towering patriotic carvings etched in Black Hills stone to miles of passages below the depths of the earth, the Black Hills and Badlands is home to precious and prominent national monuments, memorials, and historic sites that share a story and reflect the rich history of the region.
What makes a monument?
Monuments, similar to national parks, are a subset within the National Park System, emphasizing cultural significance and defining characteristics. National monuments are typically smaller in size than a national park and it preserves at least one nationally significant resource.
To be named a national monument, land, structures, and other geological wonders must include at least one of the following:
- The site must contain at least one significant natural resource.
- The site is culturally and historically significant.
- The site is located on land already owned or managed by the federal government.
Monuments and National Park Service units – like national historic sites – are designated as such via legislation. President Theodore Roosevelt had a passion for preservation and in 1906 signed The Antiquities Act into law to protect resources within federal lands. The Act gave presidents the power to designate and expand upon a national monument.
A monument may be related to military history – like the Minuteman Missile Historic Site. Minuteman Missile, located near Wall, preserves the history and significance of the Cold War. Military history also is documented and preserved through battlefield parks or military parks, like Wounded Knee Massacre Monument near Pine Ridge. Additionally, monuments may host a historical structure or two, but buildings and statues are not considered the monument itself.
Learn more about Minuteman Missile Historic Site.
The First National Monument
The first national monument designated by President Theodore Roosevelt was Devils Tower in 1906 – right in the Black Hills of Wyoming! Devils Tower, located near Hulett, Wyoming, has a strong cultural significance with Indigenous people. The Monument also is a beautiful scenic drive and offers hiking trails and crack climbing to experience the sweeping views from the top.
Learn more about Devils Tower National Monument.
Jewel Cave National Monument is one of several cave systems in the Black Hills and Badlands region, but it’s one of the longest caves in the world! Jewel Cave, discovered in 1900, contained precious crystals. To preserve resources, Roosevelt designated Jewel Cave as a national monument in 1908.
Learn more about Jewel Cave National Monument.
What about Mount Rushmore?
Mount Rushmore is classified as a national memorial and is not a monument. Memorials are commemorative, and they don’t have to be locations historically related to the subjects they pay tribute to.
Learn more about Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Who oversees the monuments?
The National Park service oversees 84 units while other entities including the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service oversee others.
A Monumental Story
While monuments provide adventure and views, most importantly, each shares a unique story with rich culture and an abundance of history. As you visit monuments, memorials, and historic sites in the Black Hills and Badlands, explore the history of each and engage in the stories shared.
What national monuments have you seen?