Fort Meade in Meade County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
It Started Here
General Carlton wrote in 1914: "When Governor Sheldon of South Dakota visited Fort Meade, our custom was explained to him. Later I attended a reception given by Governor Hastings of Pennsylvania at the governor's mansion in Harrisburg and he promised me that he would try to have the custom established among the state militia.
"Not long afterward I had an interview on the subject with the Secretary of War, Daniel E. Lamont, and my impression is that it was but a few months later that he issued an order requiring "The Star Spangled Banner" to be played at every Army post every evening at retreat.
"In addition to this I tried to enforce respect for our national flag by having every one rise and remove their hats when the colors passed them."
The Adjutant General designated it as "The National Air", and in 1931 Congress declared it "The National Anthem".
Erected 1976 by Ft. Meade V.A. Hospital and the South Dakota State Historical Society. (Marker Number 466.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 44° 24.627′ N, 103° 28.283′ W. Marker is in Fort Meade, South Dakota, in Meade County. Marker is on Sheridan Street, 0.2 miles west of Custer Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 Sheridan St, Fort Meade SD 57741, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Charles D. Roberts (a few steps from this marker); Fourth Cavalry Group Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Fort Meade Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); 8 Inch Towed Howitzer (M115) (within shouting distance of this marker); Bear Butte (Mato Paha) Indian Camp (approx. 0.6 miles away); Civilian Conservation Corps Camps (approx. 0.6 miles away); Charles Nolin (approx. 1.1 miles away); Bear Butte (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Meade.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 804 times since then and 247 times this year. Last updated on November 4, 2021. It was the Marker of the Week June 12, 2022. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 27, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 3. submitted on May 28, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.