Near Sturgis in Meade County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Thomas E. Odell

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 24, 2021

1. Thomas E. Odell Marker

Inscription. Born in Ohio in 1876, he came to South Dakota in 1907. With scant education, he achieved college degrees, taught for 25 years, his last school at 86, to afford him time for summer research.

He wrote "Mato Paha", the story of Bear Butte, a western classic. His persistence culminated with the enactment of chapter 307, Sessions Laws of 1961 creating this park. Humble, self effacing, he sought no other honor than the respect of his fellow citizens.

Erected 1967 by State Historical Society and the Game Fish and Parks Commission. (Marker Number 436.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.

Location. 44° 28.06′ N, 103° 25.254′ W. Marker is near Sturgis, South Dakota, in Meade County. Marker is on South Dakota Route 79. Located at the Bear Butte State Park near the Education Center. Bear Butte State Park is open year round. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20250 SD-79, Sturgis SD 57785, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Capt. William F. Raynolds (here, next to this marker); Lakota Holy Man, Visionary, Ambassador, Healer and Storyteller

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(here, next to this marker); Dr. F. V. Hayden (here, next to this marker); Sacred Mountain of the Plains Indians (here, next to this marker); Bear Butte (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Bear Butte (a few steps from this marker); Camp J.G. Sturgis / Scooptown (approx. 2 miles away); a different marker also named Bear Butte (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sturgis.

Also see . . . Bear Butte State Park. (Submitted on May 3, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota.)

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 24, 2021

2. Thomas E. Odell Marker

Bear Butte State Park Education Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 24, 2021

3. Bear Butte State Park Education Center

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on September 3, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 3, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.