Wakpala, South Dakota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wakpala, South Dakota
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 Wakpala, South Dakota
Location in South Dakota
Wakpala, South Dakota
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  South Dakota |
| County | Corson |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.44 sq mi (1.13 km2) |
| • Land | 0.44 sq mi (1.13 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,637 ft (499 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 267 |
| • Density | 609.59/sq mi (235.33/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
57658
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| Area code(s) | 605 |
| FIPS code | 46-68180 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2813013 |
Wakpala is a small, unincorporated community located in Corson County, South Dakota, United States. It sits on the west side of the Missouri River, a bit north of Mobridge. Wakpala is special because it is inside the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Its name comes from the Lakota language and means "creek." A real creek, Oak Creek, runs along the eastern edge of the community.
Contents
History and Famous Leaders
Wakpala is a place with important history, especially for Native American people. Two very famous Native American leaders are connected to this area.
Chief Gall
Chief Gall (whose Lakota name was Piji or Phizí) was a brave and important leader of the Hunkpapa Lakota people. He was a skilled warrior and a trusted friend of Sitting Bull. Chief Gall is buried right here in Wakpala, at the Saint Elizabeth Episcopal Cemetery.
Sitting Bull
Chief Sitting Bull (Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake) was another incredibly famous Hunkpapa Lakota leader and holy man. He is known for his strong leadership and for fighting to protect his people's way of life. Sitting Bull was first buried in North Dakota. Later, people worked to move his remains. It is believed that he might be buried under a concrete marker with his name on it, a few miles south of Wakpala near Mobridge.
Community Life
Life in Wakpala includes traditions that are important to the community.
Wakpala Wacipi
Every year, the community hosts the Wakpala Wacipi. A "Wacipi" is a traditional Native American dance or powwow. It's a time for people to gather, celebrate their culture, dance, sing, and share stories. This special event takes place on the last weekend of August.
Population Information
Knowing about a community's population helps us understand its size.
How Many People Live Here?
According to the 2020 United States Census, the total number of people living in Wakpala was 267. This count helps us see how many residents call Wakpala home.
