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

Governor Vessey - Father of Mother's Day

August 29, 2021

1. Governor Vessey - Father of Mother's Day Marker

Inscription. Wessington Springs is home to our state's 7th Governor who served from 1909-1913. He came to Jerauld County as one of the early pioneers, starting in the sheep business before entering banking and real estate. Robert & Florence Vessey built their home on College Avenue in 1906-1907 and today the home is still an historic landmark on the National Register. Perhaps you could call Robert Vessey the "father of Mother's Day". While Governor of SD he was the first to proclaim the observance in 1909. The following year the state of Virginia issued the proclamation and soon after other states followed suit. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it a national observance in 1913.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 44° 4.506′ N, 98° 34.494′ W. Marker is in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, in Jerauld County. It can be reached from State Highway 34 0.3 miles west of Dakota Avenue South, on the right when traveling west. Located along the Old Grade Trail, at a roadside park overlook in western Wessington Springs. Touch for map.

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Marker is in this post office area: Wessington Springs SD 57382, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Dakota’s Yankton Sioux Tribe,

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: Robert S. Vessey (a few steps from this marker); Wessington Springs Roadside Park (a few steps from this marker); Rube Goldberg Ski Lift Gadget (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Nobles Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); City Park (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sumac Used By Native Americans (about 500 feet away); Historic Stone Bridge (about 500 feet away); Barbed Wire (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wessington Springs.

August 29, 2021

2. Governor Vessey - Father of Mother's Day Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2021. This page has been viewed 404 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2021. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.