History
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On March 30, 1743, explorers Francois and Louis-Joseph Verendrye buried a lead plate here claiming the region for France. The plate documents the Verendryes as the first European explorers on the northern plains and serves as proof of early European colonization efforts in North America. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase made the area part of the United States. On February 16, 1913, the Verendryes' lead plate resurfaced when a group of local teenagers found it on the hill. Not realizing its significance, they considered selling it to the local print shop, but State Historian Doane Robinson heard about it, recognized its importance, and saved it. Today, the Verendrye Plate is displayed at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.
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Fort Pierre, South Dakota · United States
