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Bear Butte

Sturgis, South Dakota
County of Meade.
National Register Number: 73001746
 Resource type: Site.
Property type: Religion - ceremonial site. The threat level was Watch in
2006.
Congressional District: SD-At Large Certified Local Government: NO
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Please contact the NHL directly for visitor information.
Current use/information: State Park.

Statement of Significance (as of designation - December 21, 1981):
Sacred to the Cheyenne, Bear Butte is the place where Maheo imparted to Sweet Medicine (a mythical hero) the knowledge from which the Cheyenne derive their religious, political, social, and economic customs. The site is in Bear Butte State Park.

Condition:
There is no physical disturbance to the mountain, although development continues to take place on private land in the surrounding area. A Sturgis motorcycle rally campground has been created on private property north of the mountain, with planned future development to include a concert venue. Rally-related development continues to pressure the spiritual qualities of the mountain. A bill introduced in 2006 that would have created a seven mile buffer zone around Bear Butte did not pass.

No changes since the last reporting period.


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