North Dakota Museum Destroyed by Fire

Fire has destroyed the museum at the Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site near the southeastern North Dakota town of Kulm.

The Edgeley Volunteer Fire Department says no one was hurt in the Nov. 9 blaze, which was reported by a hunter. Authorities say the museum was destroyed. The state Historical Society is checking on the status of about 20 artifacts.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation. The building did not have electricity, and Deputy Fire Marshal John Elstad says the fire is suspicious.

Whitestone Hill Battlefield is where U.S. Cavalry troops under Brig. Gen. Alfred Sully battled with Sioux warriors on Sept. 3, 1863. The state Historical Society says it was the last major battle between soldiers and American Indians east of the Missouri River. Twenty-two soldiers and more than 100 Indians died.

Information from: The Jamestown Sun, www.jamestownsun.com