Near Selby in Walworth County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

You are now on the 100° Meridian

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 6, 2011

1. You are now on the 100 Meridian Marker

Inscription. Historically that meridian is significant. For two generations the Insurance Companies and other worldwide lending agencies would not, as a matter of agreed policy, lend a shiny dime west of this line. There reason was that some geographer had labeled it the EAST EDGE of the Great American Desert. Neither the geographer nor the Insurance Companies had been west of 100°. Today, more that a quarter of America's new animal wealth alone, is produced from that misnamed desert. This unrealistic, geographically limited loan policy, forced South Dakota into the farm loan business. Our Rural Credit Business cost us plenty and was a splendid illustration of why a State should not be in the loaning business. But South Dakota has paid all its debts in full. The 100th Meridian is just another bad memory. Historically however, the 100° Meridian was a most important one in Western economy.

Erected 1956 by The First National Bank of Selby and State Highway Commission. (Marker Number 55.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Landmarks. In addition, it is included

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in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list.

Location. 45° 26.957′ N, 100° 0′ W. Marker is near Selby, South Dakota, in Walworth County. It is on 134th Street (U.S. 12) close to 309th Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Selby SD 57472, 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 6 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bangor (approx. 1.9 miles away); a different marker also named Bangor (approx. 2 miles away); Walworth County, South Dakota Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.3 miles away); The Mickelson Governors (approx. 4.9 miles away); Hiddenwood Park (approx. 6.7 miles away); City of Java, South Dakota (approx.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 6, 2011

2. You are now on the 100° Meridian Marker

6.7 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,058 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on July 16, 2021. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.