Historical Overview and Inventory of the Niobrara and Missouri National Scenic Riverways, Nebraska and South Dakota

The Niobrara/Missouri National scenic Riverways study area exhibits a rich array of historic and cultural resources. The Niobrara National Scenic River includes the western segment of the river that flows through Cherry, Keya Paha, Brown, and Rock Counties in Nebraska. The Missouri National Recreation River study area is defined by three recreational segments of the National Wild and Scenic River system: a 39-mile Missouri River segment extending from Fort Randall Dam to the headwaters of Lewis and Clark Lake; a 20-mile section on the eastern end of the Niobrara River, with an a-mile stretch of Verdigre Creek; and a 59-mile segment of the Missouri River extending from Lewis and Clark Lake to the southern edge of Ponca State Park. This study area also includes the 25-mile length of Lewis and Clark Lake which, with the 39-mile Missouri segment and Niobrara segment, is being studied as a potential National Recreation Area. The Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Lake border portions of six counties in South Dakota: Gregory, Charles Mix, Bon Homme, Yankton, Clay, and Union. All of the named waterways flow through or abut portions of Boyd, Knox, Cedar and Dixon counties in Nebraska.

This "Historical Overview and Inventory" will provide a cursory analysis of key themes, events, and extant resources within the study area that pertain to the history of the united states. Research conducted in June and July 1993 focused on both documentary and physical evidence of historical events and trends relating to this nation I s development. The team engaged in archival research, conducted interviews, and carried out field surveys. Archival research included visits to state and county historical societies, museums, university libraries, state historic preservation offices, and regional book stores in both Nebraska and South Dakota. Researchers interviewed those familiar with resources and terrain along the Niobrara/Missouri National Scenic Riverways. The team also conducted field surveys on two separate trips; one consisting of a five-day visit to the Niobrara National Scenic River study area and a second junket of four days to explore lands along the Missouri National Recreation River. The information gleaned from these sources, while helpful, is limited. Comprehensive documentation and analysis of the historic resources in the area requires more intensive and more specialized study.