Sturgis in Meade County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Charles Nolin, Pony Mail Carrier
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
1. Charles Nolin, Pony Mail Carrier Marker
On this evening, Nolin stopped by Alkali Creek, where the National Cemetery is now located. Here a party of the "Hay Camp" now in Rapid City, were spending the night before hauling their hay on to Deadwood. Among those in the train were Jesse Brown, T.W. Leedy, Mrs. William O’Brien, Judge H.C. Ash, and Mr. and Mrs. Reason Rupe.
Nolin was urged to stay over night because Indian war cries had been heard in the vicinity. He insisted on leaving as he had promised his mother in Nebraska that this would be his last ride.
The next morning his lifeless body was found here. His horse had been killed and the mail scattered.
The freighters dug a shallow grave with their hay forks and covered the remains with rocks. The pile is still in evidence. In 1880 the remains were moved to the Bear Butte Cemetery.
Deadman Creek here and Deadman Mountain behind to the southwest were named for the tragedy that befell that 24-year old carrier.
Erected 1976 by Sturgis-Ft. Mead Bicentennial Committee and South Dakota Bicentennial Commission. (Marker Number 473.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed
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Location. 44° 24.119′ N, 103° 30.531′ W. Marker is in Sturgis, South Dakota, in Meade County. Marker is on Junction Avenue north of Harmon Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 949 Harmon Street, Sturgis SD 57785, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Peace Keeping Post (a few steps from this marker); The Fate of the Mail Carrier (a few steps from this marker); Born of Opportunity (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Charles Nolin (a few steps from this marker); Broken Promises (a few steps from this marker); Treaties are formed (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Charles Nolin (approx. 0.9 miles away); Civilian Conservation Corps Camps (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sturgis.
More about this marker. Marker is located adjacent to
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
2. Charles Nolin, Pony Mail Carrier Marker (Nolin Monument Obelisk in background)
Also see . . .
1. Mail carriers work hard to deliver mail.
John S. McClintock quoted a conversation he had with a pony mail carrier who he believed to be Nolin: "Under sage and other brush all through the long days," said Charles Nolin. "It's wearing me out and I am tired of the job." A mail line was established between Cheyenne, Wyo. and Sydney, Neb. on the Union Pacific Railroad in early 1876. H. G. Rockfellow was the proprietor and the mail was carried on ponies. It is likely that Charles "Red" Nolin could have been one of these early day pony mail carriers on the Sydney-Deadwood trail who was employed by Rockfellow. (Submitted on December 15, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. The Charles Nolin Monument and Film - Sturgis, 1932.
On May 30, 1932, a monument to Nolin was dedicated on the spot where his body was found. Two surviving members of the party that met Nolin on his last ride attended the event. In addition to the momument, a dramatic re-enactment of the Nolin incident was produced in the form of a silent film. (Submitted on December 15, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
3. Charles Nolin, Pony Mail Carrier Marker (Nolin Monument Obelisk in background)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
4. Nolin Monument Sign
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
5. Charles Nolin Monument (front view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
6. Charles Nolin Monument (back view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
7. Nolin Monument (back corner view)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 370 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on October 17, 2021. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 15, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7. submitted on December 18, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
