old fort meade museum

MicheleW272

The visit was a waste of time and a low point in an otherwise beautiful trip. The greeter at the museum had the personality of moldy bread. The area where you watch the opening video was smelly. Their review claims to include the 10th Cavalry, the Buffalo Soldiers. The only reference to the Buffalo Soldier in the video is an account of one man who was "lynched by an angry mob in Sturgis" What artifacts on exhibit relating to the Buffalo Soldier will fit in a shoe box. They do however devote quite a bit of space to the Nazi and the Klu Klux Klan. I could not believe KKK artifacts were displayed right along religious items and found the display about bringing "religion" to the Indians in poor taste. Imagery referring to Buffalo Soldiers as N_ _ _ _ _ s was beyond offensive. Old Fort Meade Museum is a disgrace to memory of every one served there.

M8324AVjenniferb

This "fort" doesn't look like a fort at all. Just a bunch of buildings surrounding a drill field, but the history inside of the museum is totally worth stopping and spending some time. Looking at the outside of the museum, I didn't expect much, but I was very, happily surprised to find some truly unique and wonderful exhibits inside. I really loved the Indian artifacts, the history of Little Big Horn, and the wonderful way that it has all been laid out. There is a lot to see, read, play with and observe. It talks about the history of the fort from the beginning into the 20th century. Be sure to visit all levels and go into every room. They have nooks and crannies just full of interesting and marvelous little items. I especially liked the downstairs with the exhibits on the horses and medical information. A gem! Nice gift shop and introductory movie also! Oh, be sure to read about Commanche, Poker Alice and the Buffalo Riders!

CarolynF547

Home of the 7th Cavalry in 1876 (we all know what happened to them), it has a variety of items from its complete history, both military, family, and Native American. Currently the fort has a VA Hospital and an OCS school.

DJunker

This "museum" is more than just the museum, but includes the whole fort in effect. The signs for the museum are a little underemphasized, but it's in the same area as the VA hospital.It presents the military point of view of westward expansion, by in a reasonably unvarnished way. You can get an impression of what life was like there over 100 years ago. The museum visit is mostly self-guided, which is fine, and while the guided introduction and video do help provide context, they were a bit stale. This is part of why I have it an average, but not the only reason.Part of the grounds are still used by the National Guard for summer training, which can leave you feeling like you shouldn't be there, or like history is still living here, depending on your perspective. I enjoyed that aspect myself. But the old officers' quarters are in use as well, so driving through that part felt awkward.It's a worthwhile stop when you're in the area.

Didymop

Ft Meade SD and the museum was the perfect stop on Memorial Day. The historical artifacts were quite surprising and smartly arranged. Thanks to a former commanders wife we sing what is our National Anthem. Interesting to see how the fort changed over the years and the role it played in the settling of this area.

tymothyw

Fantastic museum that isn't advertised much. Within the museum there are many opportunities to view and even handle era guns that would have been used as well as view many of the uniforms and tools from the period. The museum also has letters that were written when fort was in it's prime.

Tigerman67

I am probably predisposed to enjoying the Old Fort Meade Museum, since I find the Indian War Period interesting, and I served with the 7th cavalry when I was in the Army, but it was a nice setup with alot of history including the Indian War Period that interested me the most. A nice museum. During the rally, I thought it was kind of confusing to get onto the old base, but worth the trip if you want to find something different during the rally

Bearclaw6

Good for local history. 7th Cavalry was here for a bit, as well as 10th Cavalry (Buffalo Soldiers) Also WWII German POWs.

JMLinne

We only drove through but found the architecture most interesting. This place is really old but is well kept and is actually in use by ROTC and other services.

LarryM621

Fort Meade was established in 1878 as a cavalry fort to protect the new settlements in the northern Black Hills, especially the nearby gold mining area around Deadwood. Home of the Famed 7th cavalry it is a great place to visit and learn How The west was won. Super Museum a lot of walking, but worth every step. Go there, Enjoy.

milandman

The history of Old Fort Meade is FASCINATING! Walk through the founding of Fort Meade from the early 1878-1879 Custer days through current times. Explore the duties of cavalrymen, learn of their challenges and weep of their defeats. Museum portrays early Indians and Custer's Cavalry through Fort Meade's use in WW1 an WWII. Lots of OLD artifacts. The museum is set up really nice, takes about 1-2 hours depending on your interests. Five bucks to get in seemed very reasonable. I love old westerns an watch the military channel, Old Fort Meade Museum was an AWESOME stop for me.

Anonymous855

Sturgis has little to offer the non-motorcycle enthusiast but this national guard base without security gates or passes needed is easy to visit off of the I-90. We were coming out of Deadwood to head down to the Badlands so we took the short detour and it was worth it. The entry fee is discounted for military so don't forget to ask, otherwise it is a teeny bit overpriced. Video was helpful and put the history of the area into context. Boring for small children.

ademarneis

Museu militar que conta histórias militares, inclusive da guerra civil americana e outros conflitos. Vá com bastante tempo, vale à pena.