West Sioux in Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Town Pump

October 23, 2021

1. The Town Pump Marker

Inscription. Soon after this area was platted in 1889, the city of Sioux Falls installed a community well which was located at this spot. It was a source of water for livestock and household use. Local residents referred to it as the "town pump." Here they hand pumped cold, refreshing water, which they carried back to their homes in pails or hauled in cream cans and barrels loaded on horse-drawn wagons, buggies and stone-boats. The pump was also used to fill a large trough for use by horses and cattle.

The town pump was a popular meeting place, where children played games, teenagers flirted and adults socialized. Trips often started here for summer swimming and winter ice skating at the nearby Big Sioux River. When municipal water lines reached the West Sioux Falls community in the 1920s, city crews removed the much used pump and filled in and covered the old well.

Erected 1997 by Minnehaha County and South Dakota State Historical Societies. (Marker Number 676.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 43° 33.677′ N, 96° 45.53′ W. Marker

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is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is in West Sioux. Marker is at the intersection of North Garfield Avenue and West Bailey Street, on the right when traveling south on North Garfield Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1301 N Garfield Ave, Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. All City Elementary (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); West Sioux Falls (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named West Sioux Falls (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Rutland Depot (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Church of the Good Samaritan (approx. 0.8 miles away); Grinde School (approx. 0.8 miles away); Nyberg's Ace Bandstand (approx. 0.8 miles away); Fersdahl Log Cabin (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

October 23, 2021

2. The Town Pump Marker

The Town Pump Marker, from the north image. Click for full size.

October 23, 2021

3. The Town Pump Marker, from the north

The Town Pump Marker, from the south image. Click for full size.

October 23, 2021

4. The Town Pump Marker, from the south

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2021. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 26, 2021. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.