Sturgis in Meade County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Charles Nolin, Pony Mail Carrier
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
1. Charles Nolin, Pony Mail Carrier Marker
Charles "Red" Nolin, pony mail carrier on the Sidney-Deadwood trail, was ambushed, killed, and scalped here by Indians on August 19, 1876.
On this evening, Nolin stopped by Alkali Creek, where the National Cemetery is now located. Here a party of the "Hay Camp" now in Rapid City, were spending the night before hauling their hay on to Deadwood. Among those in the train were Jesse Brown, T.W. Leedy, Mrs. William OBrien, Judge H.C. Ash, and Mr. and Mrs. Reason Rupe.
Nolin was urged to stay over night because Indian war cries had been heard in the vicinity. He insisted on leaving as he had promised his mother in Nebraska that this would be his last ride.
The next morning his lifeless body was found here. His horse had been killed and the mail scattered.
The freighters dug a shallow grave with their hay forks and covered the remains with rocks. The pile is still in evidence. In 1880 the remains were moved to the Bear Butte Cemetery.
Deadman Creek here and Deadman Mountain behind to the southwest were named for the tragedy that befell that 24-year old carrier.
Erected 1976 by Sturgis-Ft. Mead Bicentennial
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Communications • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 19, 1876.
Location. 44° 24.119′ N, 103° 30.531′ W. Marker is in Sturgis, South Dakota, in Meade County. It is on Junction Avenue north of Harmon Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 949 Harmon Street, Sturgis SD 57785, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West River and in Greater Rapid City. 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 Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Peace Keeping Post
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
2. Charles Nolin, Pony Mail Carrier Marker (Nolin Monument Obelisk in background)
More about this marker. Marker is located adjacent to the Nolin Monument, marking the site where Charles Nolin died.
Also see . . . The Charles Nolin Monument and Film. South Dalota Public Broadcasting website entry:
On May 30, 1932, a monument to Nolin was dedicated on the spot where his body was found. Two surviving members of the party that met Nolin on his last ride attended the event. In addition to the monument, a dramatic re-enactment of the Nolin incident was produced in the form of a silent film. (Submitted on December 15, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
3. Charles Nolin, Pony Mail Carrier Marker (Nolin Monument Obelisk in background)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
4. Nolin Monument Sign
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
5. Charles Nolin Monument (front view)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
6. Charles Nolin Monument (back view)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2012
7. Nolin Monument (back corner view)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 799 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on October 17, 2021. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 15, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7. submitted on December 18, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
