Yankton Sioux Treaty Monument 800 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63101

Welcome to the Yankton Sioux Treaty Monument, a significant historical site located at 800 Olive Street, St. Louis, Missouri. This monument commemorates the pivotal treaty between the United States and the Yankton Tribe of Sioux or Dakota Indians, concluded in Washington, D.C., on April 18, 1856, and ratified by the Senate on February 16, 1859.

The treaty marked a profound moment in history, as the Yankton Sioux, led by esteemed chiefs like Struck By The Ree, Black Bear, Medicine Crow, and others, navigated the challenges of cultural transition and negotiation. For approximately 11.5 million acres of land, the tribe received annuities totaling $1.6 million over 50 years, alongside provisions for education in agriculture, industrial arts, and homemaking.

This agreement led to the relocation of the Yankton Sioux to a 475,000-acre reservation north of the Missouri River, in present-day Charles Mix County. The monument stands as a tribute to the Yankton Chiefs who courageously signed the treaty of 1858, embracing change while preserving their heritage.

Visitors to the monument can reflect on this crucial chapter of American history and the resilience of the Yankton Sioux people. The site is located on a hill approximately 1/4 mile north of Greenwood, South Dakota, near the original Yankton Sioux Agency headquarters. To enhance your visit, download the NPS app for an interactive guide to explore this and other historical parks.

Join us in honoring the legacy of the Yankton Sioux Tribe and their journey through a transformative era.