We've had another pleasant day, just making the miles go by. We saw lots of fields growing needful things, and lots of cattle, and lots of oil production-related things. It was all low-key and OK.

Somewhere north of Sioux Falls and south of Malta, we drove through the Teddy Roosevelt National Park. This is the part of the country where he became strong and fit after a childhood of being a wimp. We stopped at the Painted Canyon monument. It was most impressive. See more here:Teddy Roosevelt Park, and here.

Sometime later in the day, we passed through Wibaux, Montana, a wide spot in the road with a long history. Here's a photo of a statue of the founder, he's seen as the founder because he bought all the original folks out......and paid for the statue.

Here's more on the little town:

The town originally had names such as Keith, Beaver, and Mingusville (named for Minnie and Gus Grisy, who ran the Post Office in the late 19th century).^[7] In 1895, the town was renamed for prominent local cattle rancher, Pierre Wibaux, who had immigrated to the area from France in 1883.^[8] Wibaux expanded his herds by buying stock from less fortunate ranchers.^[9]

After Wibaux's arrival, the town became a major cattle shipping center for the Northern Pacific Railroad,^[8] notably receiving some of the cattle from Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross and Elkhorn ranches near Medora, North Dakota.^[10] The great cattle drives of the 1880s often passed by Wibaux on their way from Texas to the northern ranges.^[11]

According to legend, Theodore Roosevelt got his nickname "Old Four Eyes" in Wibaux, (Mingusville, at the time) shortly after moving to the badlands from New York City. A drunk sheep rancher in the bar said "four eyes is buying". At first Roosevelt ignored him, but the man wouldn't let up. Eventually he walked over to confront Roosevelt. Roosevelt stood up, accidentally tripping the drunk man, who fell and did not get up. Roosevelt was praised as a hero, but immediately went and hid in his room, in case the sheepherder woke up and wanted to cause trouble.^{[citation needed]}

Lore has it that in the late 1970s oil boom, Wibaux had a brawl unlike any seen before, straight out of an Old West show. Hundreds of drunk participants fought for hours in the streets. It started from some minor dispute.^{[citation needed]}

Arleigh "Bunny" Meek, Jr. was the sheriff in Wibaux, and Wibaux County from 1968-1998 (32 years). He served longer than any other sheriff in Montana's history. He succeeded his father, Arleigh Meek, Sr. as sheriff. The only uniform he wore was his badge. Neither "Bunny" or his father carried a gun when they were sheriff, although they walked in and apprehended some very large, very violent (or drunk) individuals in this modern day old west town.^{[citation needed]}

The National Register of Historical Places has three entries in Wibaux: The Pierre Wibaux House, St. Peter's Catholic Church, and the Wibaux Historical District.^[12]

I think it's important to remember there aren't many towns around here. For example, today I steamed past Sleeping Buffalo Rock at 70 per because I wasn't prepared for such an humble presentation. Check it out:
We had lunch in Glendive (pop. 4,802). It boasts an active caviar industry and the title, ‘Paddlefish Capital of the World.’ During paddlefish season from May 15-June 30, anglers are urged to donate the eggs, or ‘roe,’ from their catches to the Glendive Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, which processes it into caviar for exclusive restaurants and cruise ships. Proceeds improve fisheries and recreation in eastern Montana. Here's a picture of a paddlefish.......a nasty looking SOB:

Malta, Montana: Sleeping Buffalo Rock

The local Indians revered it, and someone carved the rock in a failed effort (our judgment) to make it look more like what it's supposed to.

Address:: US Hwy 2, Malta, MT
Directions:: On the north side of US Hwy 2 at the intersection of Hwy 243, underneath a little roadside shelter, 17 miles east of Malta.

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Sleeping Buffalo Rock

Sleeping Buffalo Rock was found by my grandfather when he was a young boy while out riding the plains. Kenneth Arnold Ball was born in Saco, MT Jan. 24, 1908 to Nora Jane and George McLearn Ball, whom herded sheep and raised wheat and grasses.

Kenneth went to school with Chet Huntley; they were good friends (Chet even states this in his book Boyhood Memories). The rock was actually carved by the Plains Indians and it was a symbol for the buffalo hunt. They would dance around it the night before the hunt as spiritual hope for a good hunt like football players huddle together for a good game.

The Rock was placed near the school in representation of both of the boys, Kenneth and Chet. Grandfather became many things in his life. During that time, it was considered not to be spoken, but since he is gone I can now tell that he was an undercover agent for the FBI Secret Service Units.

[Nora Mae, 09/20/2010]

Sleeping Buffalo Rock

Malta is the closest place to this attraction, by 17 miles, and it's along a desolate stretch of US Rt 2 near the eastern end of the state. This is an old rock indigenous to the area, part of a group of boulders that the local Indians held sacred, and a pre-historic native long ago had made carvings in the rock to make it look more like a buffalo. It's really hard to see how the carvings make it a buffalo, though, but this appears to be one of the earliest known instances of American roadside attractions.

The rock currently rests roadside under a protective shack, with informational markers on either side.

[Jim Heverin, 10/31/2005]

Sleeping Buffalo Rock

The Sleeping Buffalo Rock reposes in its corral under a shed at the junction of US 2 and MT 243. Its shape is suggestive of a buffalo, with its legs tucked up, resting its chin on the ground. Carvings highlight the outline of ribs and backbone and are probably prehistoric.

You should approach the rock with respect. It will tell you what it wants. It appreciates coins (Canadian currency is OK.) and is especially fond of tobacco -- judging from the unsmoked cigarettes that people have left for it.

[Chuck Rhode, 05/26/2005]

I take all of this with a spoonful of salt.......Here is a marginally more authoritative version of the rock's story:Sleeping Buffalo. The picture here is what I passed by without recognizing.Anyway, we're now ensconced in the Maltana Motel in Malta, Montana....how the town got that name is a 'hole 'nuther story. The motel is everything you think it might be, at $77 per night, breakfast not included.