siouxfalls.org: History of the Falls

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History of the Falls

The natural beauty of the Falls of the Big Sioux River gave the city of Sioux Falls its name and has been a beacon to people for thousands of years.

The magnificence and power of water rushing over the prehistoric quartzite rock has attracted many groups including Native Americans, land prospectors, soldiers and settlers. In pioneer days the Falls were tapped for water power to run the Queen Bee Mill, Drake Springs Polishing Works and others. The Falls have been revered, celebrated, abused, neglected, refurbished, and ultimately revered again.

Through it all the Falls have stood the test of time, changed only by Mother Nature’s slow hand and mankind’s need of industry. This is the story of the Falls of the Big Sioux River.

History of the Falls

The natural beauty of the Falls of the Big Sioux River gave the city of Sioux Falls its name and has been a beacon to people for thousands of years.

The magnificence and power of water rushing over the prehistoric quartzite rock has attracted many groups including Native Americans, land prospectors, soldiers and settlers. In pioneer days the Falls were tapped for water power to run the Queen Bee Mill, Drake Springs Polishing Works and others. The Falls have been revered, celebrated, abused, neglected, refurbished, and ultimately revered again.

Through it all the Falls have stood the test of time, changed only by Mother Nature’s slow hand and mankind’s need of industry. This is the story of the Falls of the Big Sioux River.