DIGNITY on the bluff

Today we moved 160 miles farther west along I-90 in South Dakota. We stopped at the Visitor Center at Chamberlain, which has an excellent Lewis & Clark Expedition exhibit. This is also the location of the 'Dignity' statue, which I have been anxious to see.

It was raining. So gray skies, but the view of the Missouri River is still spectacular. In the distance, note the old Chamberlain Bridge; it originally spanned the river, bank to bank, but after the dam projects of the 50s it was not long enough to span the newly-created lake. A causeway was built to reach the bridge, which was actually lowered on the west side. Interesting bit of trivia - or perhaps modern day folklore.

The Dignity sculpture is a stunning combination of art and history. Located on a bluff between exits 263 and 265 on Interstate 90 near Chamberlain, the stainless steel, 50-foot-tall statue was specifically designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. That’s why he used three Native American models ages 14, 29 and 55 to perfect the face of Dignity.

“Dignity represents the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota culture in South Dakota,” Lamphere said. “My hope is that the sculpture might serve as a symbol of respect and promise for the future.”~~~~ from the Travel South Dakota website