Wessington Springs in Jerauld County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Neutral Ground

August 29, 2021

1. Neutral Ground Marker

Inscription. The area within about a 5 mile radius of this site was considered a neutral area by all Indians. French traders set up a trading post every fall near the big spring. There was no fighting; competing tribes camped side-by-side. However, it is fairly well documented that a renegade Indian tied a trader to a nearby cottonwood tree and burned him at the stake.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 44° 4.615′ N, 98° 34.388′ W. Marker is in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, in Jerauld County. It is on 2nd Street Southwest 0.1 miles west of Dakota Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Located in Wessington Springs City Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wessington Springs SD 57382, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River

and specifically in the James River Valley.

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: Noble's Trail Campsite (here, next to this marker); Municipal Field House (within shouting distance of this marker); Wessington Springs Trivia (within shouting distance of this marker); Wessington Springs' First Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); City Park (about 500 feet away); Old Grade Road (about

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500 feet away); How Man Effects The Environment (about 600 feet away); Sumac Used By Native Americans (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wessington Springs.

August 29, 2021

2. Neutral Ground Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2021. This page has been viewed 271 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2021. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.