Dupree the “American Bison”
The Bison, named Dupree.
Renowned artist John Lopez from Lemmon, South Dakota, uses welded sculpture to tell the stories of our past and inspire our future. His artwork includes dinosaurs, prairie wildlife, and human heroes. Each piece is unique and is designed to capture the imagination of the viewer.
Dupree the “American Bison” commissioned by the Fort Pierre Historical Sculptures Committee will be a one-of-a-kind piece that incorporates many of the people, places, and things that are significant to our area. This statue will be a keystone feature at the Missouri River Bridge Plaza, scheduled for installation in July with unveiling on July 3rd, 2026, and will serve as a focal point for showcasing Fort Pierre’s long connection to this magnificent animal.
How the Bison Were Saved – The Real Story by Doug Dupree
At one time it was estimated that 60 million bison roamed the Great Plains, and by 1890, those estimates had shrunk to as few as 100 to 500 bison in North America. A French trapper turned rancher, Frederick Dupree, under the influence of his Lakota wife, Good Elk Woman – “Hehaka Waste Win and daughter of One Iron Horn and Red Dressing – decided to do something about it.
After participating in the last great bison hunt, he and his sons captured five orphan bison calves and raised them on his ranch. The herd grew to 50 head and were sold to James “Scotty” Philip.
Renowned artist John Lopez from Lemmon, South Dakota