Driving Back From Rapid City

I took this picture because there were trees on both sides next to the interstate. That is a rarity around here.

On July 23, 1874, during the Black Hills expedition, Custer and a group of his men climbed the steep slopes of Inyan Kara. This outcropping is located in the Black Hills region of northeastern Wyoming and was a sacred place to the Native Americans (Sioux) in that area. The name Inyan Kara was probably derived from the white man's interpretation of the Native American term for the mountain: Heeng-ya Ka-ga.

According to one Sioux legend the Black Hills region was the dwelling place of the ''Great Spirit'' who had set aside the area as a temporary resting place for the spirits of the departed braves so that they would not become blinded by the splendors of the final happy hunting ground upon arriving there. The outlying mountains of Devil's Tower, Inyan Kara and Bear Buttes were also considered sacred places and were often visited, not only by the Sioux, but by many other tribes as well. It is also said that when Indians entered the vicinity of Inyan Kara, they would hang offerings on the rocks and trees to appease the thunder gods who were responsible for the mysterious rumblings heard during the calmest days and nights.


The Bighorn Mountains in the distance. We've not been able to visit them this year due to all the rain, snow and washed out roads.