Bev & I spent our afternoon learning the history of the red stone pipes, which were carved from the native stone from quarries here in Pipestone. The tradition of the plains indians gathering their stone for the ceremonial pipes goes back over 2000 years. The ceremonial smoking was part of preparation for warfare, trading goods and hostages and ritual dancing as well as medicinal healings. The term "peace pipe" was one that the white guys came up with when we were working out treaty agreements with the tribes as we came west.
Pipestone creek flows through the touring paths of the monument area much as it did when the native people gathered here to collect stone for their pipes.
The walking path through the national monument features, and seeks to preserve many of the plants, trees and grasses native to the great plains.
Entering one of the areas where the quartz has been taken over the past centuries.
Taking a break on our tour through the quarry sites, the temp is 95 and the humidity is 92%, we decided the AZ dry heat is much better. Next we show you around the town.
The Pipestone main street features buildings built between 1880 to 1900. Most of the buildings in this part of town are constructed with native Sioux Quartzite obtained from the quarries just outside of town. The corner building is the Calumet Inn which was finished in 1888 and hailed as the finest hotel in Southwestern Minnesota. It had 80 guest rooms and an elegant dining room, most of its guests traveled to town by passenger train. It has been totally restored and currently has 38 guest rooms, meeting rooms and of course the dining room. Just to the right in the next building is the Pizza Ranch where Bev & I had a great lunch.
This native stone building is the county museum, it was built in 1896 as the City Hall and served the city until 1960.
Another distinctive landmark in Pipestone is the concrete water tower that stands 132 ft high and can be seen from any location in town. This tower served the water dept. from 1921 til 1973. In 1990 it was restored and serves as the center piece of a picnic and park area. It is one of only two concrete water towers known to exist. Tomorrow we move to the farm.
Bev & I spent our afternoon learning the history of the red stone pipes, which were carved from the native stone from quarries here in Pipestone. The tradition of the plains indians gathering their stone for the ceremonial pipes goes back over 2000 years. The ceremonial smoking was part of preparation for warfare, trading goods and hostages and ritual dancing as well as medicinal healings. The term "peace pipe" was one that the white guys came up with when we were working out treaty agreements with the tribes as we came west.
Pipestone creek flows through the touring paths of the monument area much as it did when the native people gathered here to collect stone for their pipes.
The walking path through the national monument features, and seeks to preserve many of the plants, trees and grasses native to the great plains.
Entering one of the areas where the quartz has been taken over the past centuries.
Taking a break on our tour through the quarry sites, the temp is 95 and the humidity is 92%, we decided the AZ dry heat is much better. Next we show you around the town.
The Pipestone main street features buildings built between 1880 to 1900. Most of the buildings in this part of town are constructed with native Sioux Quartzite obtained from the quarries just outside of town. The corner building is the Calumet Inn which was finished in 1888 and hailed as the finest hotel in Southwestern Minnesota. It had 80 guest rooms and an elegant dining room, most of its guests traveled to town by passenger train. It has been totally restored and currently has 38 guest rooms, meeting rooms and of course the dining room. Just to the right in the next building is the Pizza Ranch where Bev & I had a great lunch.
This native stone building is the county museum, it was built in 1896 as the City Hall and served the city until 1960.
Another distinctive landmark in Pipestone is the concrete water tower that stands 132 ft high and can be seen from any location in town. This tower served the water dept. from 1921 til 1973. In 1990 it was restored and serves as the center piece of a picnic and park area. It is one of only two concrete water towers known to exist. Tomorrow we move to the farm.
1 comment:
Love the pics!! It is obvious that you guys are having a great time, however I feel a hotflash coming on considering the heat and humidity you are experiencing!! The Arizona heat is much better! Enjoy your time in Minnesota and looking forward to seeing you in July!! Love, Les and Sue
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