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

Blockhouse and Breastworks

Beginning Construction 1864

Photographed by Connor Olson, October 2, 2020

1. Blockhouse and Breastworks Marker

Inscription. "Wed. Oct 22, 1865. Fifteen men armed two stockades."

Fort Wadsworth (Fort Sisseton) was surrounded on three sides by water and situated on a hill. These were the fort's natural defenses. Structural defense systems consisted of blockhouses at the northwest and southeast corners, and a moat and earthen berms constructed around the fort's perimeter.

Each blockhouse contained a twelve-pound mountain howitzer, and seven by eight inch thick, nearly indestructible walls. Original plans also called for a wood stockade; however, timber was scarce so the project was never completed.

Erected by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.

Location. 45° 39.517′ N, 97° 31.888′ 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.

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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: Doctor's Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Stable (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Library-Schoolhouse (about 400 feet away); Officers' Quarters (about 400 feet away); Fort Sisseton (about 400 feet away); Andrew Jackson Fisk Historic Trail (about 500 feet away); North Barracks (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eden.

Other markers no longer nearby. Hospital (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Commanding Officer's Quarters (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed); Library (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Blockhouse and Breastworks Marker & Building image. Click for full size.

May 7, 2022

2. Blockhouse and Breastworks Marker & Building

Photographed by Connor Olson, October 2, 2020

3. Blockhouse

Blockhouse, first floor image. Click for full size.

May 7, 2022

4. Blockhouse, first floor

Blockhouse, second floor image. Click for full size.

May 7, 2022

5. Blockhouse, second floor

Marker Inside Blockhouse image. Click for full size.

May 7, 2022

6. Marker Inside Blockhouse

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 11, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on May 14, 2022. 3. submitted on December 11, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 14, 2022. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.