Near Valley Springs in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Purple Heart Memorial Highway
July 31, 2021
1. Purple Heart Memorial Highway Marker
Inscription.
On May 24, 2012, the South Dakota DOT Transportation Commission officially declared Interstate 90 from the Minnesota border to the Wyoming border as South Dakota's segment of the national Purple Heart Trail. The Purple Heart Trail was established in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart to be a symbolic trail throughout all 50 states and U.S. territories to commemorate and honor all men and women who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The Trail originates in Mt. Vernon, Virginia, which is the burial location of George Washington. The Purple Heart Medal was specifically a combat decoration and is our nation's oldest military medal. It was first created by General George Washington in 1782 and was known as the Badge of Military Merit. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States who have either been wounded or killed in action by an enemy of the United States. The purpose of the Purple Heart Trail is to create a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges, and other monuments that give tribute to the men and
Click or scan to see this page online
women who have received the Purple Heart Medal.
"As you travel the Purple Heart Trails, please take a moment to remember the sacrifices that have been paid for our nation's freedom."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is May 24, 2012.
Location. 43° 36.612′ N, 96° 27.696′ W. Marker is near Valley Springs, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is on Interstate 90 at milepost 412, 1.2 miles west of State Route 23, on the right when traveling west. Located at the Valley Springs Information Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Valley Springs SD 57068, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in East River and in Greater Sioux Falls. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, 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 Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby
July 31, 2021
2. Marker at the Valley Springs Information Center.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2021. This page has been viewed 369 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 7, 2021. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
