The Verendrye Museum in Fort Pierre is named for Louis and Chevalier Verendrye, two French brothers who explored the upper reaches of the Missouri River.

Roy & Edith Norman restored/rebuilt 6 or more old wagons to support and promote the Verendrye Museum and local businesses in downtown Fort Pierre in the mid-1970’s.

Original locations and business ownerships of some of the wagons were:

• West of Fort Pierre Hwys 14-34 at 1806 Junction, Sutley’s Grocery Store, DeWayne Strohfus
• East of Pierre Hwy 14, Chuckwagon Cafe
• South of Fort Pierre Hwy 83, near the Stanley County line, Fort Pierre Times
• Other wagons were located just south of Fort Pierre on Hwy 83; west of Fort Pierre along Hwy 14-34 on the hill; and east of Pierre Hwys 14-34 and 1804 Junction.

(Picture taken in 1980 by John Margolies, Library of Congress)

Congratulations to the winners of the 4th Annual Backyard BBQ!

Thank you to all our contestants, sponsors, supporters and to the attendees of our BBQ held on August 15th!

• First Place went to the Bad River Mafia2, Tex’s Jack Repair-Buddy Jorgensen.
• Second Place went to CHS, Chris Carter , Wyatt Johnson VM Board member presenting).
• Third Place went to Degenstein’s Hometown BBQ, Lenny Degenstein  (they were not available for a picture).
• The People’s Choice Award went to Longhorn BBQ-Ken SosaWe served thirty-five briskets to over 200 people throughout the day in Fischers Lilly Park in Fort Pierre.