Small Town News

Fire of state-owned museum caused by arson

---

EDGELEY - The historic museum at the Whitestone Hill Battlefield site was destroyed by fire early Monday morning, Nov. 8.

The one-room museum has been a part of the Whitestone Hill Battlefield Historical Site since it was built in 1941.

The museum had stone walls and a wooden ceiling and support beams.

The fire also destroyed the contents of the museum, which included exhibits explaining the 1863 Sully expeditions and the Battle of Whitestone Hill.

The Edgeley Fire Department responded to a call at approximately 7 a.m. and remained on the scene for approximately three hours. The Dickey County Sheriff's Department was also on location.

As of Nov. 16, Jeanette Ruenz from the Whitestone Hill Battlefield Historical Society said it was determinec that the fire's cause was arson.

However, they are reluctant to release any other information as the crime scene is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshall's Office.

The historic site marks the scene of the worst clash between American Indians and white soldiers in North Dakota.

On Sept. 3, 1863 Gen. Sully's troops attacked a Tipi camp of Yanktoni, some Dakota, Hunkpapa Lakota and Blackfoot, as part of a military mission to punish participants of the Dakota Conflict of 1862.

In the battle many Indian men, women and children were killed or captured.

Military casualties were very light. The Indians also suffered the destruction of their property, leaving them destitute for the coming winter.

Whitestone Hill Battlefield Historical Site includes a portion of the battlefield, and two monuments honoring the Indians who lost their lives, and a second commemorating the soldiers who lost their lives, and the museum site.

The State Historical Society of North Dakota intends to rebuild the museum.

CThe Dickey County Leader is a Nordmark Publishing newspaper.)



Copyright 2009 Turtle Mountain Star, Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from Turtle Mountain Star