Quick Facts
Twelve Thousand Years of Human History
8.5” x 11”
Pages: Over 550
Hardcover, Laminated
Photographs, Drawings, Maps, Diagrams: Over 780
Historical Markers: 258
12 Years in the Making
Shipping anywhere in the US, only $10 for up to three copies!
Holiday and New Year Special, Only $32.99 per book through February.
Got a History buff among your family or friends? Here is the perfect gift!
Twelve Thousand Years of Human History: As Recorded on Historical Markers in
Minnehaha County, SD
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Bruce Blake of Sioux Falls compiled and edited this book, which covers some 258 county markers. Blake, a retired lawyer and historian, is responsible for a good share of the
markers himself. For over 20 years he has been “the marker man,” researching, getting funding, overseeing the text (often of his own
authorship), arranging for casting, and supervising the erection of more than
150 markers. His efforts have won him many awards, including membership in the South Dakota
Hall of Fame.
About 12 years ago, Blake conceived of the book which would account for all the
markers in the county, both official and unofficial, along with further
elaboration on the text, the stories behind the markers, and maps, photographs,
drawings, and other images related to the markers. The result is an epic tome of more than 550 pages, capturing all aspects of the county, from the geologic record
through the prehistoric, territorial periods and statehood, to the present era.
What makes the book unique is the way Blake has expanded coverage to include
connections of the county history to state and national interests,
demonstrating the relatedness of all historic events, the way they reverberate,
are affected by and in turn affect a much broader area.
One example of the expanded view is how the Wounded Knee tragedy connected to
the county history. Tasunke-Ota (Plenty Horses), tried for murder in the aftermath of the landmark
event, and Zintkala Nuni (the Lost Bird), a survivor of of the slaughter, both
have ties to Sioux Falls.
Broad coverage includes towns that no longer exist
officially, church histories, and both celebrated and notorious personalities.
A 15-page Index with more than 2000 entries allows easy access to the names and
places covered. Included are more than 780 photographs and illustrations, backgrounds on 50 key
contributors, and 35 maps.
Jjust $32.99 plus tax for each book, with shipping only $10 more for up to three books. Your book will be from the historic first printing of the book, which is limited to just 1000 copies.
All profits from the sale of Twelve Thousand Years of Human History go to the Marker Fund of the Minnehaha County Historical Society.
