Sturgis

What are some cool facts about Sturgis?** While Sturgis has many events that it's known for it has many other facts about it that make it interesting. Like where it's name came from. "Sturgis was named after Major Samuel D. Sturgis". (Sturgis) And that "The Star Spangled Banner was given birth in this town." (Sturgis) So given with The Star Spangled Banner being born here you can assume that "Sturgis is a military community and has been since 1878 when Fort Meade was established." (Parks and Cemetery) After the decline for the need of Fort Meade it was turned into a veteran's medical hospital, caring for all soldiers who served in wars for the U.S. (Parks and Cemetery). With that you can also assume that there is a memorial for all of that and __its__ called freedom memorial. __Its__ a "four foot tall polished granite obelisks recognizing all __fine__ branches of the military, a flag with perpetual lighting. (Parks and Cemetery) __Its__ "located at __he the__ east end of the Hills and Plains Park, near the soccer fields, with a pentagon shaped memorial." (Parks and Cemetery) Sturgis has "over 100 acres of park and recreation property. This can be used for many types of activities." **citation needed after quote**
 * [[image:Bear_Butte.jpg width="407" height="316"]]

Sturgis, South Dakota is often in the news during the summer months for the biker rally. But there are a lot of other things that this military town has been in the news for, especially over the years. For example protests, biker shootings. Like in 2006 when Native Americans all __of__ the country came here to protest the granting of liquor licenses to property owners close to Bear Butte National Park because loud noise is the after effect of drinking and it disturbs the sanctity of the spiritual monument. (Whitney A.3 **The note card reference is not needed.**) During their protest that lasted four days including not only the stopping of liquor license's but also the "deflections of biker traffic near the __site__ were one of the intents." (Whitney A.3). While bikers are huge during the summer in Sturgis especially during the bike week the "Out law biker trend is fading, but they haven't ran out of gas yet. The Hells Angels had a tent in Sturgis and gunfire did break out between them and the Outlaws but that took 75 miles away." (Shroeder D.3 **This is not in the Works Cited list**) What is Sturgis famous for?** Well Sturgis has a big history and has a lot of events in its history to make it famous. "The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally also known as Sturgis Bike Week is a raucous in insanity."(Bruce 29-32) The bike rally is so big that when it comes riders from all over come making the town more populous than the entire state.(Bruce 29-32). Think you could be a biker? Well "a Harley can cost up to as much as $25,000 and that is even before coming close to customize it. And there is also a waiting list for motorcycles for up to a year."(Neal F.1) Also they also have a few other events that take place there during the summer and other parts of the year such as Cavalry Days, Cultural Days, and the Sheepdog Finals. Cavalry Days is a festival that takes place in June and reenacts how wars went and the importance that Sturgis had. Sheepdog finals and Cultural Days take place at the same time in mid September. So if you’re a dog fan during that time you can still enjoy music and as of many other things. (Sturgis)
 * What has Sturgis been in the news recently for?**
 * [[image:SturgisMotorcycleRallyb.jpg]]

What is Bear** ** Butte **** and what about it? ** Bear Butte is a geological site with religious significance to Native Americans. Bear Butte has a few other names given to it by the Lakota Native Americans. Its name is Mato Paha or Bear Mountain. "To the Cheyenne its name is Noahvose. The mountain is sacred to many American Indian Tribes who come here to hold religious ceremonies.. Since Bear Butte's natural and historical heritage, it has been recognized and designated as a national landmark." (Bear Butte State Park) "Artifacts over 10,000 years old have been found near Bear Butte. But in recent times the Cheyenne and Lakota people have maintained a spiritual tie to the mountains. Many notable leaders gathered here in 1857 with many Indian nations to discuss the advancement of white settlers into the Black Hills. George A. Custer lead an exhibition of 1,000 men into the region. Custer then verified rumors of gold in the Black Hills. Bear Butte then served as a landmark that helped guide people into the region." (Bear Butte State Park) Bear Butte is managed for day use only, its hours being 8 am to 7 pm. But there is an exception for people there for religious purposes. And also there is an exception for entrance requirements to. (Bear Butte State Park) At Bear Butte there are "two hiking trails that take you to the top of Bear Butte. The ceremonial trail is a one mile loop that branches into an additional one mile hike to the top of the mountain. When you reach the top there's a view of 4 states. The park serves as the Northern Trail Head for the 111 Mile Centennial Trail" (Bear Butte State Park). "In most religions, specific areas or sites hold great spiritual significance. Bear Butte is such a place. Native Americans see the mountain as a place where the creator has chosen to communicate with them through visions and prayer. Colorful pieces of cloth and small bundles hanging from the trees represent the prayers and offerings by individuals during worship. These are to be left undisturbed." (Bear Butte National Park)
 * [[image:BearButte.jpg]]

“Bear Butte State Park.” __Black Hills – South Dakota.__ 28 June 2006. Google. 8 May

2009. 

“Bear Butte State Park.” __South Dakota.__ State of South Dakota, Sturgis, South Dakota 6

May 2009. 

Bruce, Leonard Jr. “Two Wheeled Revelry.” __Trailer Life.__ 1 July 2006: 29, 31, 32. __Research Library.__ ProQuest. South Dakota State Library. Rapid City. South Dakota. 6 May 2009. 

Neal, Karlen. “Roaring Into Town And Saying, “Excuse Me”: AN AMERICAN SUMMER: Bikers in the black hills.” __New York Times.__ [New York, N.Y:] 9 9 Aug. 2002, Late Addition. (East Coast): F.1. __National Newspaper Abstarcts.__ (3). ProQuest. South Dakota State Library. 12 May 2009. 

Parks and Cemetery. “ Parks and Cemetery,” __City of__ __Sturgis____.__ City of Sturgis. 12 May. 2009. 

Sturgis. “Sturgis.” __ALL__ __Black Hills____.__ Verticle Media. 12 May. 2009. 

Whitney, Stu. “Indians Rap Biker Rally Nearing Butte; Protesters want a 5-mile buffer For a sacred site;[FINAL edition]. __USA__ __Today__ [Mclean, Va] 1 Aug. 2006, A.3. __National Newspaper Abstracts(3).__ ProQuest. SD State Library. 8 May 2009 