Fort Meade was built in 1878 by the remaining troops of General Custer's 7th Cavalry to keep between the Lakota and Cheyenne Indians and prospectors; the fort is distinguished as having been the birthplace of our national anthem, 'The Star Spangled Banner,' as well as being the longest surviving post in the Dakota Territory. Many artifacts of the historic and colorful outpost and personal mementos of the soldiers and units who served here have been preserved and are displayed in the museum, and some of the fort's original buildings remain intact. Nearby, the Fort Meade Cavalry Cemetery contains the graves of cavalrymen, settlers, and American Indians. Open year-round.
