The History of Badlands National Monument and the White River (Big) Badlands of South Dakota

"HISTORY OF BADLANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT and The White River (Big) Badlands of South Dakota" by Ray H. Mattison is a historical book that examines the making of Badlands National Monument, with a focus on its interesting rocks, early people, and the creation of the park. The book starts by looking at the monument's beginnings and why it is important, highlighting how Native Americans lived there, what explorers and scientists discovered, and how laws were created to form the park. By following the timeline of key events and people, the book shows the Badlands' change from a faraway place known for its strange landscape to a famous monument, recognizing both its natural beauty and the stories of its people.