Near Eden in Marshall County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Library-Schoolhouse

Constructed 1881

Photographed by Connor Olson, October 2, 2020

1. Library-Schoolhouse Marker

Inscription. "Tues. Jan 2. [1866] Finished reading a good novel titled the 'Love Test.' It's a splendid story. C. O. Frenchies' writing school is in full blast tonight in the kitchen. About 40 of the boys are attending. It is a good thing--makes the evening pass away pleasurably and profitably. The boys have all improved at least a hundred per-cent since the school commenced."

The library came to existence in 1875 and contained ninety-four books. Later that year, Dr. Knickerbocker reported that over two hundred volumes were housed at the fort. This brick structure, which housed the library and the schoolhouse, was constructed in 1881, when it became mandatory to have a schooling facility at military posts.

Since filling the countless, lonely hours at the fort proved to be soldier's greatest challenge, the troops reread and shared their letters from home. The construction of the library-schoolhouse made it easier for the men to pass away the long hours writing letters or reading books. According to one soldier, "Everyone is writing who can raise a pencil or sheet of paper."

Erected by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

Topics.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 45° 39.493′ N, 97° 31.805′ W. Marker is near Eden, South Dakota, in Marshall County. It can be reached from 434th Avenue (County Road 5), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11907 434th Ave, Eden SD 57232, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American 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: North Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Jackson Fisk Historic Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor William J. Janklow and Fort Sisseton (within shouting distance of this marker); Senator Curt Jones and Fort Sisseton

Library-Schoolhouse Building & Marker image. Click for full size.

May 7, 2022

2. Library-Schoolhouse Building & Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Sisseton Military Reservation, Dakota Territory (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Sisseton (within shouting distance of this marker); Stable (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eden.

Other markers no longer nearby. Library (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Hospital (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 255 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 11, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on May 14, 2022. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.