Fort Randall Reservoir Archeology, Geology, History

The great Fort Randall Dam, with its vast reservoir, lies within view of the military post from which it takes its name. The site of the old fort, fortunately, was not needed for construction purposes, and can be visited today. It is a striking reminder of the historical changes that have taken place in the region, from the period of the Indian frontier to that of scientific stream-control of the Missouri River by modern multi-purpose dams.

Fort Randall, about 1860, from a drawing by Lieutenant C. Cusick, 31st Infantry, U. S. Army. U. S. National Park Service

At the site of the original Fort Randall the interested visitor can still make out the parade ground, outlined by masonry foundations and cellar walls. These mark the sites of officers' quarters, enlisted men's barracks, the adjutant's office, the hospital, and other facilities that once served the post. Nearby is the site of the past cemetery and the tombstones of a few civilians, remaining after the removal of the military burials.

The ruins of The Fort Randall Chapel, erected in 1875 by the enlisted men of the garrison. Photo — U. S. National Park Service

Apart from a few ancient and broken cottonwoods along the parade, the only physical structure of the post surviving above ground on its original site (though roofless and in ruins) is the Chapel, Christ Church, which has somehow withstood years of thoughtless vandalism and exposure to the elements. These still-impressive remains of the original, built of cut-stone masonry, were erected in 1875 to serve as a chapel and also as a library and lodge headquarters. Today they are a poignant reminder of the Indians and soldiers of a long-vanished frontier.

The name of the original fort honored Colonel Daniel W. Randall, one time deputy paymaster of the Army. The post was first established in 1856 by General Harney as the principal military post and supply depot on the Upper Missouri. It was planned to serve as a barrier between Indians and White settlers and as a station on the major waterway leading across the northern Plains. As one of the last links to be forged in a chain of military posts protecting overland routes across the Plains, it was destined also to become the first link in a new chain of posts along the river itself, a chain extending to the foothills of the northern Rockies. By the time the fort was finally abandoned, the permanent settlement of the region had been assured.

Battalion drill: the headquarters staff, band, and four companies of the 25th Infantry (colored) on the parade ground at Fort Randall. In the background (left to right) are the guardhouse, magazine, barracks and the post hospital. S. J. Morrow Collection, courtesy of the W. H. Over Museum, University of South Dakota