Chief Plenty Coups (Alek-Chea-Ahoosh) State Park and Home facts for kids
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Chief Plenty Coups (Alek-Chea-Ahoosh) Home
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House of Chief Plenty Coups at Chief Plenty Coups State Park.
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 Location in Montana
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Pryor, Montana |
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| Area | 190 acres (77 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000354 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 6, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | January 20, 1999 |
Chief Plenty Coups State Park is a special place in Montana. It's located near Pryor, right on the Crow Indian Reservation. This park is home to the house of Chief Plenty Coups, who was the last traditional chief of the Apsáalooke people (also known as the Crow Nation). His home is so important that it's recognized as a National Historic Landmark. In 1928, Chief Plenty Coups and his wife, Strikes the Iron, generously gave their land and home to everyone. Today, the park has a museum about the Apsáalooke culture and a memorial honoring Chief Plenty Coups.
Contents
The Story of Chief Plenty Coups' Home
Chief Plenty Coups had a special vision when he was a young man. He saw himself as an old man, sitting peacefully under trees near a house and a spring. This vision guided him throughout his life.
Building His Dream Home
In 1883, Chief Plenty Coups found the perfect spot on the Crow Indian Reservation. It was the very place from his vision! He settled on about 320 acres (130 ha) of land and began building his log home in 1884.
A few years earlier, in 1880, Chief Plenty Coups visited Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. He was so inspired that he added parts to his own house, making it similar to what he had seen. He also planted many Cottonwood trees and, in 1903, planted apple trees that are now part of a special "Heritage Orchard."
A Gift to All People
In 1928, Chief Plenty Coups and his wife, Strikes the Iron, decided to share their special place. They gave about 189 acres (76 ha) of their land, including the house, spring, and trees, to Big Horn County. He wanted it to be a gift for everyone.
Chief Plenty Coups said:
Today, I who have been called Chief of Chiefs, among red men, present to all the children of our Great White Father this land where the snows of many winters have fallen on my tepee. This park is not to be a memorial to me, but to the Crow Nation. It is given as a token of my friendship for all people, both red and white.
How the Park Grew
After Chief Plenty Coups passed away in 1932, Big Horn County took care of his farm and buildings. Later, in 1951, the Billings Kiwanis Club helped look after the land. They even opened a small museum in the house and placed markers at the graves of Chief Plenty Coups and his wives.
Becoming a State Park
In 1961, the State of Montana took over the site. By 1965, it became a state park under the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks department. Around 1970, the state bought a little more land, about 6.2 acres (2.5 ha), to make it easier to get to the park and build more facilities. This brought the park's total size to about 195.4 acres (79.1 ha).
Improvements Over Time
For a while, the park faced some challenges. But in 1972, with help from the state, the Crow tribe, and private donors, a new visitor center and museum were built. Chief Plenty Coups' original house was made stronger in 1993 and 1994. In 2003, the state spent a lot of money to improve the museum, adding safety features and updating the exhibits.
Visiting Chief Plenty Coups State Park Today
Today, Chief Plenty Coups State Park is a peaceful place to visit. You can enjoy a walk or have a picnic. The park is open all year round. The visitor center, which includes the museum, and Chief Plenty Coups' house are open for everyone to explore.
The park also offers educational programs for schools and groups. Every year on Labor Day weekend, the park hosts a special event called "Day of Honor." This event is open to everyone, and many members of the Crow (Apsáalooké) Nation come to enjoy free food and dancing. It's a great way to learn about the Crow culture and honor Chief Plenty Coups' legacy.
