North Dakota Trip - Day 7: More Medora

Thursday, August 27, 2009

This morning we drive to and explore the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This park is in the heart of the North Dakota Badlands where we got our first siting of buffalo (officially known as bison). At one point along the scenic drive we stopped to take a foot trail. Just over the hill along the path we stopped to take pictures when we were startled by the fact that not 50 ft. in front of us was a very large lone buffalo. Fortuantely for us, he could have cared less that we were near by.


After our scenic loop tour we returned to walk around Medora. Medora is very small - no stop lights and not a single chain restaurant or fast food place. Also, we toured the Harold Schafer Heritage Center. He is the person who brought Medora back to life by renovating the Rough Rider Hotel and creating the Medora Musical.


From Medora we drove to the near by Chateau De Mores, home of the dashing Marquis De Mores and his beautiful wife Medora Vallombrosa for whom the Marquis named the town. The Marquis' most striking legacy is this rustic but aristocratic 26-room home that his neighbors dubbed "the chateau." Over looking his town and enterprises, the frame home was ready for Medora's arrival in August 1883. Rich furnishings, oriental carpets, and fine accoutrements accomodated the family and their wealty guests, including Theodore Roosevelt. The couple's two children, as well as nurses, maids, and other domestic help, accompanied them to Medora. For three years the family occupied the home seasonally, returning to New York during the winters. Among their pasttimes were hunting, music, and art, and both Medora and the Marquis were skilled hunters.