Cheyenne River

Cheyenne River is a significant tributary of the Missouri River, stretching approximately 295 miles through the Great Plains of the United States. The river flows through the states of Wyoming and South Dakota, passing near notable locations such as Devils Tower National Monument, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands National Park. The Cheyenne River is also close to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, home to the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, inhabited by the Lakota people and Cheyenne people. The river's basin is near the Black Hills, a region rich in gold and uranium deposits, which has been mined by companies like Homestake Mining Company.

Geography

The Cheyenne River originates in the Black Hills of Wyoming, near the city of Sundance, Wyoming, and flows northeast through the Great Plains of South Dakota. The river passes through the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation and near the city of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, which is the tribal headquarters of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. The river's geography is characterized by rolling hills, prairies, and badlands, with nearby notable locations including Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and the Jewel Cave National Monument. The Cheyenne River is also close to the Fort Meade National Cemetery, a United States National Cemetery established in 1878, and the Bear Butte State Park, a sacred site for the Lakota people and other Native American tribes.

Hydrology

The Cheyenne River's hydrology is influenced by the Missouri River Basin, which includes other significant rivers like the Yellowstone River, Grand River (South Dakota), and the Moreau River. The river's flow is also affected by the Lake Sharpe, a large reservoir created by the Big Bend Dam, and the Lake Francis Case, another reservoir formed by the Fort Randall Dam. The Cheyenne River's watershed covers an area of approximately 24,000 square miles, with notable tributaries including the Belle Fourche River, Rapid Creek (South Dakota), and the Boxelder Creek (South Dakota). The river's hydrology is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which operates several dams and reservoirs in the region, including the Oahe Dam and the Gavins Point Dam.

History

The Cheyenne River has a rich history, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Paleoindian period, around 12,000 years ago. The river was an important transportation route and source of food for Native American tribes like the Lakota people, Cheyenne people, and the Arikara people. The river was also a key location for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which passed through the region in 1804-1806, and was later explored by John Jacob Astor and the American Fur Company. The Cheyenne River was also the site of several significant battles, including the Battle of Little Bighorn, fought between the United States Army and the Lakota people, Cheyenne people, and Arapaho people in 1876. The river is also near the Wounded Knee Massacre site, where the United States Army killed over 150 Lakota people in 1890.

Ecology

The Cheyenne River's ecology is characterized by a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the American bison, pronghorn antelope, and the mule deer. The river's watershed is also home to several endangered species, such as the pallid sturgeon, least tern, and the black-footed ferret. The river's water quality is affected by agricultural runoff, mining, and other human activities, which have led to the degradation of habitats and the decline of native species. The Cheyenne River is also an important stopover for migratory birds, including the whooping crane, sandhill crane, and the American golden-plover. The river's ecology is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, which operates several National Wildlife Refuges in the region, including the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge.

Recreation

The Cheyenne River offers several recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and hunting. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including the walleye, northern pike, and the channel catfish. The river's scenic beauty and diverse wildlife make it a popular destination for birdwatching, photography, and hiking. The Cheyenne River is also near several notable recreational areas, including the Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The river is managed by the United States Bureau of Land Management, which operates several recreational areas and campgrounds along the river, including the Cheyenne River Recreation Area and the Lake Sharpe Recreation Area. The Cheyenne River is also an important cultural and spiritual site for the Lakota people and other Native American tribes, who consider the river a sacred place for vision quests, sweat lodge ceremonies, and other traditional practices.

Category:Rivers of the United States