Devils Tower National Monument: A History

Rising 1,200 feet above the Belle Fourche River, this iconic stone spire has long captured the imagination of travelers and scholars alike. The narrative begins with a clear, vivid portrait of the tower’s geology and its designation as the nation’s first monument under the Antiquities Act, setting the stage for a story of preservation and discovery.

Interwoven with the natural history are the powerful oral traditions of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and other Plains peoples. Their legends—tales of bears, brave siblings, and celestial children—are presented alongside careful explanations of how these stories have shaped the cultural landscape surrounding the tower. Listeners gain insight into the deep respect native communities hold for the formation, long before it entered the federal park system.

The book also follows the early caretakers and the nonprofit association dedicated to protecting the site. Through archival material, personal recollections, and thoughtful commentary, it reveals the collaborative effort that has kept the monument’s heritage alive for generations of visitors.