Downtown in Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Fort Sod
October 23, 2021
1. Fort Sod Marker
Inscription.
Fort Sod. . To the east of the Rock Island railroad depot is a memorial to the settlers of "Sioux Falls City" who occupied this area between 1857 and 1862. Due to a scare that Indians were about to attack in June of 1858, a sod fortification was constructed around the Dakota Land Company buildings. Individuals of the Western Townsite Company joined the group, increasing their ranks to 36. A Mrs. Goodwin, who was known to "shoot a gun as well as anyone," made the first flag to fly over the settlement at this time from old flannel shirts and red flannel long-johns! The group almost starved to death waiting for an attack that never came. They were rescued by members of the Dakota Land Company who brought provisions through northern Iowa.
To the east of the Rock Island railroad depot is a memorial to the settlers of "Sioux Falls City" who occupied this area between 1857 and 1862. Due to a scare that Indians were about to attack in June of 1858, a sod fortification was constructed around the Dakota Land Company buildings. Individuals of the Western Townsite Company joined the group, increasing their ranks to 36. A Mrs. Goodwin, who was known to "shoot a gun as well as anyone," made the first flag to fly over the settlement at this time from old flannel shirts and red flannel long-johns! The group almost starved to death waiting for an attack that never came. They were rescued by members of the Dakota Land Company who brought provisions through northern Iowa.
Erected by National Park Service through the State Preservation Office.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1858.
Location. 43° 32.828′ N, 96° 43.489′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on River Road, 0.1 miles north of East 10th Street (State Highway 42), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
October 23, 2021
2. Fort Sod Marker (rightmost)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2021. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 28, 2021. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
