Pluma in Lawrence County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Pluma: Right Place, Right Time

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2018

1. Pluma: Right Place, Right Time Marker

Inscription. In 1895, the Lead Evening Call newspaper described the small community of Pluma, strategically placed between Deadwood and Lead, as ”One of the most thriving places around”. Soon after, Deadwood began marketing itself as the location of the ”richest 100 square miles on earth”. Though Lead had a larger population and Deadwood became the distribution hub of commerce for western South Dakota, Pluma ultimately became the "crossroads" for these communities.

Pluma's success was its location: at the confluence of Gold Run Creek (todays US Highway 85 West) and Whitewood Creek (todays US Highway 385 South). Pluma also became a desirable spot for milling, utility and community-support services. Pluma was the home of the large Kildonan Mill, the Troy Steam Laundry and the Belt Light & Power Company. By 1902, Pluma had its own post office, and in 1910 the Treber Ice House was built here. The concrete foundation before you are remnants from this building. In 1985, Pluma was annexed into the Deadwood city limits.

This interpretative panel was developed using funds from the 2014 - 2016 South Dakota Department of Transportation US Highway 85 reconstruction project.

Erected by The

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Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 44° 21.569′ N, 103° 44.323′ W. Marker is in Pluma, South Dakota, in Lawrence County. It is on CanAm Highway (U.S. 85) north of U.S. 385, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located near entrance to the Pluma, South Dakota Visitor Center, overlooking the Trebor Ice House foundation remnants. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: George S Mickelson Trail, Deadwood SD 57732, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West River.

It is also in the American Black Hills,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker:

Marker detail: 1910 photograph of Pluma image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Black Hills Mining Museum

2. Marker detail: 1910 photograph of Pluma

Consolidated Power & Light Company (center) and the Treber Ice House (right) were two prominent businesses in this part of Deadwood.

Good Roads Movement & Lawrence County (a few steps from this marker); Pluma's Power Plants (a few steps from this marker); Flooding & The Railroads (within shouting distance of this marker); George S. Mickelson Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Cheyenne & Deadwood Stage Route (within shouting distance of this marker); Rev. L.R.S. Ferguson Ski & Sled Area (approx. 0.8 miles away); Cleveland (approx. 0.8 miles away); Partners in Land Preservation (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pluma.

More about this marker. Marker is a large composite plaque, mounted horizontally on two waist-high posts.

Marker detail: 1930 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Pluma image. Click for full size.

Coburn Family Collection, City of Deadwood Archives

3. Marker detail: 1930 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Pluma

Part of Pluma's success was the integration of standard and narrow gauge rails connecting the Deadwood and Lead communities to the outside world.

Pluma: Right Place, Right Time Marker (<i>wide view; with Trebor Ice House foundation remnants</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2018

4. Pluma: Right Place, Right Time Marker (wide view; with Trebor Ice House foundation remnants)

Pluma: Right Place, Right Time Marker (<i>wide view; Pluma Visitor Center in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2018

5. Pluma: Right Place, Right Time Marker (wide view; Pluma Visitor Center in background)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 715 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 6, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.