Podcast 11 - Stop 7 - Pierre, SD

Day 12 brings our journey to Pierre, South Dakota, the state's capital and the location of one of the most dramatic and pivotal moments of the entire Lewis and Clark Expedition.In September 1804, the Corps of Discovery had their first meeting with the powerful Teton Sioux (Lakota) nation at the confluence of the Bad and Missouri rivers. Due to a lack of a fluent interpreter and differing trade objectives, this diplomatic meeting quickly escalated into a tense armed standoff. It was the closest the expedition came to a premature and violent end, but the situation was thankfully defused by the peacemaking efforts of Chief Black Buffalo.During this stop, travelers will dive into this rich frontier history with a guided motorcoach tour of the city, including a guided walk through the beautiful South Dakota State Capitol. Guests will also explore the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center, which features in-depth exhibits on the grit of early homesteaders and the vibrant cultures and traditions of the Plains Indians. Finally, the tour brings this history to life with a visit to Fischers Lilly Park—the exact site of the historic Bad River Encounter—where a special guest speaker will recount the incredible story of this crucial 1804 standoff.