Mato Paha Fact Sheet

The Association for Mato Paha Preservation (AMPP) is a citizen action group formed to educate the public about Mato Paha (Bear Butte). In 2007 as well as 2008 we as a group nominated Mato Paha one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

Mato Paha is a church. Indigenous peoples of the Americas consider Mato Paha a natural cathedral with the equal reverence as Christians hold Mt. Sinai.

The mountain and surrounding state park property is considered a regional, cultural and natural resource.

Mato Paha is a local and international cultural treasure.

People visit Mato Paha to worship, seek peaceful solace, have benefit from the natural setting, savor the eastward prairie landscape, and to relish the view shed where prairie meets the Black Hills.

People also visit Mato Paha to learn about ancient peoples customs as well as American military and pioneer heritage.

Mato Paha was established as an easement refuge in the late 1930's for "migratory bird, wildlife conservation, and other purposes." The refuge is managed by the state of South Dakota under a cooperative agreement between the state and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is located within the boundaries of Bear Butte State park.

Mato Paha and surrounding acreage was purchased from a private citizen by the state of South Dakota in 1961 and designated a state park.

Mato Paha was designated a National Natural Landmark and listed in April 1965.

Mato Paha contains the Bear Butte Summit Trail which was designated as a Registered National Trail on June 1,1971.

Mato Paha was placed in the National Register of Historic Places because it is a recognized Indigenous peoples sacred site, listed on June 19, 1973, National Register number, 73001746.

Mato Paha was listed a National Historic Landmark on December 21, 1981.

Mato Paha (Bear Butte) has been on the National Historic Landmarks Program threat level watch list since 2004.

In the 83rd session of the South Dakota legislature, Gov. Mike Rounds proposed an appropriation for the purchase of a scenic easement for the protection of Mato Paha from development.

Regional native and white communities share much more in rural traditions then what our differences are culturally.

Christian services were conducted near Mato Paha for the military expedition of Capt. William F. Raynolds in July of 1859.

Protecting religious practice is an American principle upheld by the United States Constitution.

Cultural resource protection efforts challenge us to reach across invisible boundaries and organize for cultural exchange and sensitivity within our shared "Rural Heritage".

Prepared by Nancy Kile, volunteer Association for Mato Paha Preservation.nk05/31/08



"The America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list has been a powerful wake-up call, alerting people to treasures in trouble and rousing efforts to save them," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "This list has helped save some very significant pieces of our nation's heritage, and we're extremely proud of that fact – but past successes are not enough. Important historic sites are still in danger, and we must continue to protect the places that tell America's story."
The list has brought national attention to 189 significant buildings, sites and landscapes. At times, that attention has garnered public support to quickly rescue a treasured landmark; while in other instances, it has been the impetus of a long battle to save an important piece of our history. The America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list has been so successful in educating the public about the importance of preserving our nation's history that more than 35 states now publish their own lists of endangered historic places.


About The National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history - and the important moments of everyday life - took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability.
With headquarters in Washington, DC, six regional offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America's story.
For more information visit; http://www.preservationnation.org