The somber and historically significant grounds of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, the location of one of the most devastating massacres in American history, are currently on the market. The The Site of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre is for Sale represents a poignant crossroads of historical trauma, cultural heritage, and economic opportunity. The family of James A. Czywczynski, who own two 40-acre parcels encompassing the immediate area where the tragic events of December 29, 1890, unfolded, has announced their intention to sell the land for $3.9 million. This offering has reignited conversations about the preservation of Native American history, the complexities of land ownership, and the potential for healing and reconciliation.
A Land Marked by Tragedy:
The name "Wounded Knee" resonates with sorrow and injustice. On that fateful winter day in 1890, U.S. Army soldiers of the 7th Cavalry, under the command of Major Samuel Whitside, clashed with a band of Lakota Sioux, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 300 Lakota men, women, and children. The massacre marked a tragic end to the Ghost Dance movement, a spiritual revival that instilled hope among Native Americans facing forced assimilation and the loss of their ancestral lands.
The Lakota, led by Chief Spotted Elk (also known as Big Foot), were en route to the Pine Ridge Agency when they were intercepted by the 7th Cavalry. They were disarmed and escorted to a camp near Wounded Knee Creek. The following morning, as the soldiers attempted to confiscate the remaining weapons, a shot rang out – its origin remains disputed – triggering a brutal and indiscriminate slaughter. The soldiers opened fire with rifles and Hotchkiss guns, decimating the Lakota encampment. Many were killed as they fled, cut down in the snow-covered landscape.
The The Site of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre is for Sale doesn’t include the mass gravesite where the victims were buried; however, the parcels for sale include the surrounding area where the fighting and killings occurred and also the area surrounding Porcupine Butte, but not the site of KILI radio. The land encompasses the original site of the Wounded Knee Trading Post, adding another layer of historical significance to the property. The area holds deep spiritual and cultural meaning for the Lakota people, serving as a constant reminder of the violence and injustice inflicted upon their ancestors.
The Czywczynski Family’s Perspective:
The Czywczynski family has owned the Wounded Knee property since 1968, acquiring it from the Gildersleeve family. James A. Czywczynski, the current owner, has expressed a desire to see the land returned to the Lakota people. "It is time for our family to sell the land," he stated. "We would really like to see the land returned to the Lakota people, and that is why I am giving them an opportunity to purchase the land before I open it up to others for sale."
However, the family’s history with Wounded Knee is also marked by hardship and loss. During the 1973 Wounded Knee Occupation, a 71-day standoff between the American Indian Movement (AIM) and federal law enforcement, Czywczynski’s home, personal belongings, and trading post were destroyed. The losses he sustained during this period are factored into the $3.9 million asking price. "I was never repaid for the property losses I had as a result of what happened there in 1973," he explained. "The price that I have placed on the land is an attempt for me to reclaim my losses and an attempt to get fair market value for the land."
The Czywczynski family’s position highlights the complex layers of history and ownership associated with the land. While acknowledging the tragic events that occurred there, they also seek to recoup their own financial losses stemming from the 1973 occupation. Czywczynski has indicated that he has received interest from non-Native buyers but would prefer to sell to someone representing the tribe.
A Call for Lakota Ownership:
The potential sale of the The Site of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre is for Sale has sparked renewed calls for the Lakota people to acquire the land and control its future. Chase Iron Eyes, a Native American attorney, activist, and founder of LastRealIndians.com, has been a vocal advocate for Lakota ownership. He believes that owning the land would allow the tribe to tell their story, create a proper monument, and establish a cultural exchange center near the gravesite. "I feel that as part of asserting our own role in the telling of our stories and our history, we should have a proper monument and cultural exchange center near the spiritually heavy and tragic gravesite where we can tell the world what happened and how we are healing from this scar on our hearts to make a way for ourselves," Iron Eyes said.
The acquisition of Pe’ Sla, a sacred site in the Black Hills, serves as a precedent for such a purchase. The Runnels family, who owned Pe’ Sla, initially offered the land for sale for $9 million, forcing tribes to raise the funds to purchase it. A social media campaign, spearheaded by Chase Iron Eyes, played a crucial role in securing the final $1 million needed to complete the purchase.
Economic Development and Cultural Preservation:
The potential for economic development on the Pine Ridge Reservation is a significant factor in the discussions surrounding the sale of the land. Mr. Czywczynski believes that Lakota ownership of the site could attract investment and create new opportunities for the tribe. "People are interested in what happened here, and this could potentially bring in millions of dollars to the reservation," he stated.
However, the idea of developing the site has faced opposition from some tribal members who believe that any attempt to commercialize the land would be disrespectful to the victims of the massacre. Others argue that a museum and cultural center could serve as a powerful educational tool and a source of revenue for the community.
The National Park Service and South Dakota’s congressional delegation are rumored to be supportive of such a project, and a recent survey indicated that Wounded Knee is a popular destination among European tourists interested in visiting the United States.
Challenges and Opportunities:
The Pine Ridge Reservation faces significant economic challenges. The tribe has limited options for generating revenue due to public opposition to resource extraction, as evidenced by the protests against uranium mining and the Keystone XL pipeline. Expanding the tourism industry is seen as a potential pathway to economic growth, and the purchase of the Wounded Knee site could be a catalyst for further investment.
The purchase of the The Site of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre is for Sale represents a complex challenge for the Lakota people. They must balance the desire to reclaim their history and preserve their culture with the need for economic development and the sensitivities surrounding a site of immense trauma. Finding a path forward that respects the past while building a better future will require careful consideration, open dialogue, and a commitment to healing and reconciliation. The The Site of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre is for Sale, thus, is not merely a real estate transaction; it is a moment that echoes with history and carries the weight of generations.