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Wounded Knee Battlefield
Wounded Knee Battlefield in South Dakota is the site of one of the most tragic events in Native American history. On December 29, 1890, soldiers of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment massacred between 150 and 300 Lakota Sioux near Wounded Knee Creek, the majority of whom were unarmed women and children. This event marked the violent conclusion of Native American armed resistance against U.S. government policies and the end of the Ghost Dance movement. The military opened fire with rapid-fire Hotchkiss guns following a scuffle during an attempt to disarm the Lakota group led by Chief Big Foot. Most of the victims were buried in a mass grave that still stands on a hill overlooking the site today. In 1973, Wounded Knee regained international attention when members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) occupied the town to protest treaty violations and government corruption. Today, the battlefield is a National Historic Landmark and a sacred site for the Lakota people, serving as a powerful memorial to the suffering and cultural resilience of indigenous nations.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Wounded Knee, South Dakota · Wounded Knee Massacre · Wounded Knee Occupation
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -2 | 3 | 8 | 14 | 21 | 25 | 24 | 18 | 9 | 3 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 12 | 26 | 56 | 76 | 75 | 52 | 50 | 38 | 31 | 13 | 11 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The massacre took place on the morning of December 29, 1890.
- Estimates of the Lakota death toll range from 150 to over 300 individuals.
- The U.S. Army utilized four rapid-fire Hotchkiss mountain guns during the assault.
- Chief Big Foot was among the first killed during the opening moments of the fire.
- In 1973, AIM activists occupied the site for 71 days to protest federal policies.
- The site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Wounded Knee Battlefield (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
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Wounded Knee Battlefield: where is it located?
Wounded Knee Battlefield: what is there to see?
Wounded Knee Battlefield: when is the best time to visit?
Wounded Knee Battlefield: why is it worth visiting?
