Cuny Table facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cuny Table |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 3,352 ft (1,022 m) |
Geography | |
Location | Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota |
Topo map | USGS |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Cuny Table Road |
Cuny Table is a special kind of mountain in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota. It's called a "table mountain" because it has a flat top, just like a table! This cool landform is part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which belongs to the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
Cuny Table is pretty big. It stretches about 15 miles (24 km) long and is usually 3 to 4 miles (5 to 6 km) wide. It mostly runs from west to east. This table mountain is located right next to the southern edge of Badlands National Park's Stronghold Unit. Even though it's close, Cuny Table is not actually inside the park. It rises about 300 feet (91 meters) above the flat lands around it.
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What is a Table Mountain?
A table mountain is a mountain with a very flat top. It often has steep sides. Geologists call this type of landform a "mesa" or "butte." Cuny Table is a great example of this unique shape.
Where is Cuny Table Located?
Cuny Table is found in South Dakota, a state in the central United States. It's specifically in Oglala Lakota County. This area is known for its "badlands," which are dry lands with lots of canyons and hills.
Several creeks flow around Cuny Table. Cedar Creek runs to the northwest and north. Cottonwood Creek drains the entire northeast side of the table. Any water that falls on the southern part of Cuny Table flows into the White River. To the east of the table, you'll find Wolf Canyon.
How Cuny Table Got Its Name
Cuny Table was named after a man named Charles Cuny Senior. He moved to this area with his family way back in 1880. It's common for places to be named after important people who lived there.
Cuny Table's History with the Military
In 1942, during World War II, the military bought a part of Cuny Table. They used it for training purposes. The Air Force used this area until 1958. After that, the National Guard continued to use it for training exercises until 1974.
Other Table Mountains Nearby
Cuny Table is not the only table mountain in the White River Badlands. There are many others! Some of these include Red Shirt Table, Sheep Mountain Table, Blindman Table, and Heck Table. Each of these flat-topped mountains adds to the unique landscape of South Dakota.