Near Vale in Meade County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

"Death of the Bismarck Trail"

October 16, 2021

1. "Death of the Bismarck Trail" Marker

Inscription. On this spot, where the eroded ruts of the Bismarck-Deadwood Trail are still plain to see took place on July 17, 1877 the massacre of the Wagnus family by Indians, who from Bear Butte watched with envy the passing of their lands to the whites. Two brothers and the wife of one, were leaving the "land of Gold" homesick and disappointed. Seeking to catch the main outgoing wagon train they were ambushed, slain, scalped and their oxen shot, their effects despoiled.

Erected 1954 by Meade County Comm. - State Highway Comm. - S.D. Hist. Society. (Marker Number 32.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 17, 1877.

Location. 44° 31.28′ N, 103° 26.822′ W. Marker is near Vale, South Dakota, in Meade County. Marker is on 130th Avenue (South Dakota Route 79) ¼ mile north of 199th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19881 130th Ave, Vale SD 57788, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Camp J.G. Sturgis / Scooptown (approx. 2.3 miles away); Dr. F. V. Hayden (approx. 3.9 miles away);

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Bear Butte (approx. 3.9 miles away); Thomas E. Odell (approx. 3.9 miles away); Capt. William F. Raynolds (approx. 3.9 miles away); Sacred Mountain of the Plains Indians (approx. 3.9 miles away); Lakota Holy Man, Visionary, Ambassador, Healer and Storyteller (approx. 3.9 miles away); a different marker also named Bear Butte (approx. 3.9 miles away).

"Death of the Bismarck Trail" Marker, from the south image. Click for full size.

October 16, 2021

2. "Death of the Bismarck Trail" Marker, from the south

"Death of the Bismarck Trail" Marker, from the north image. Click for full size.

October 16, 2021

3. "Death of the Bismarck Trail" Marker, from the north

Bear Butte can be seen in the background, directly center.

Deadwood-Bismarck Trail Post image. Click for full size.

October 16, 2021

4. Deadwood-Bismarck Trail Post

"Deadwood
Bismarck
1876
Trail"

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2021. This page has been viewed 367 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 19, 2021. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.