Wessington Springs in Jerauld County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Bur Oak Tree

November 24, 2024

1. Bur Oak Tree Marker

Inscription. The large tree in the draw started growing in 1717 according to a sample taken by a State Forester, which makes it over 289 years old. The United States didn't become a country until 1776. There is one oak tree in the park that is nearly 400 years old. Hackberry trees to the right have distinctive patterns on their barks. They produce small hard berries that readily become fossilized, which shows us they have lived in SD for at least 22 million years. They have accumulated parasites, but have evolved the ability to cope with them.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Environment. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1717.

Location. 44° 4.615′ N, 98° 34.537′ W. Marker is in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, in Jerauld County. It can be reached from the intersection of 1st Street Southwest and Alene Avenue South. Located along the Old Grade Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wessington Springs SD 57382, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River

and specifically in the James River Valley.

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 Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Grade Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Barbed Wire (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); How Man Effects The Environment (about 400 feet away); Legion Hill

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(about 400 feet away); Historic Stone Bridge (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Legion Hill (about 500 feet away); Historic Nobles Trail (about 600 feet away); Wessington Springs Trivia (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wessington Springs.

November 24, 2024

2. Bur Oak Tree Marker

Bur Oak Tree Marker and Tree in the Draw image. Click for full size.

November 24, 2024

3. Bur Oak Tree Marker and Tree in the Draw

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2024. This page has been viewed 139 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 17, 2024.