Wessington Springs in Jerauld County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Historic Nobles Trail
August 29, 2021
1. Historic Nobles Trail Marker
Inscription.
Historic Nobles Trail. . Remnants of this historic trail can be seen just south of Hwy 34 along the ridge. In 1857 Nobles Trail was built by Col. W.H. Nobles, from Mendota (the mouth of the Minnesota) via Fort Ridgley to the Missouri River. It was to be a wagon road from St. Paul to the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains. The spring on the south side of the city park played an important role. The engineer on the project wrote: "These springs furnish the only continually running water between the Big Sioux and Missouri Rivers, excepting the James."
Remnants of this historic trail can be seen just south of Hwy 34 along the ridge. In 1857 Nobles Trail was built by Col. W.H. Nobles, from Mendota (the mouth of the Minnesota) via Fort Ridgley to the Missouri River. It was to be a wagon road from St. Paul to the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains. The spring on the south side of the city park played an important role. The engineer on the project wrote: "These springs furnish the only continually running water between the Big Sioux and Missouri Rivers, excepting the James."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 44° 4.523′ N, 98° 34.544′ W. Marker is in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, in Jerauld County. Marker is on State Highway 34, on the left when traveling north. Located near a roadside park overlook, in western Wessington Springs, on a trail on the west side of a side road going north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wessington Springs SD 57382, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2021. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2021. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
