Wessington Springs in Jerauld County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Cleveland T. Hall
On July 9, 1864, Confederate General Jubal Early had defeated the Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley, crossed the Potomac to Maryland Heights, routed General Lew Wallace's divisions at the Battle of Monocacy, thus leaving the road to Washington wide open for his advance. President Lincoln and his family, together with the Cabinet and their families, were in residence at the capital, communications between the field and Washington having been destroyed.
In spite of the suffering and loss of blood from seven bullet wounds and two saber cuts, all incurred at Monocacy, Cleveland Hall rode roughshod through Confederate lines to warn the capital of the imminent attack. Several horses were shot from under him, but each time he grabbed another mount and continued his dash, reaching Washington in time for the Army to deploy 1,000 artillerymen under the command of Captain Dupont, General Early was repelled at the city limits.
Cleveland Hall came to Jerauld County, Dakota Territory, in 1882 and settled in Wessington Springs. In this town he was married to Nettie C. Weems, M.D., pioneer doctor. On October 26, 1886 he succumbed to wounds suffered at Monocacy twenty-two years earlier. (Marker Number 560.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 9, 1864.
Location. 44° 4.548′ N, 98° 33.777′ W. Marker is in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, in Jerauld County. Marker can be reached from Dunham Street west of Cemetery Road, on the right when traveling south. Located in Prospect Hill Cemetery, block five, lot seven. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wessington Springs SD 57382, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Thanks for the Miracle of Life" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wessington Springs, South Dakota Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Jerauld County Courthouse (approx. 0.4 miles away); Municipal Field House (approx. half a mile away); Stratton Park (approx. half a mile away); Noble's Trail Campsite (approx. half a mile away); Neutral Ground (approx. half a mile away); Wessington Springs' First Home (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wessington Springs.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2021. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 1, 2021. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.