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

Barbed Wire

November 24, 2024

1. Barbed Wire Marker

Inscription. Notice the top wire of fence is made of an unusual old wire type. There was a great demand for barbed wire because the west was being rapidly settled and this was a way to control cattle and identify private property. In order to circumvent the patent law, many new kinds were invented from 1868 to 1874. Joseph Glidden from DeKalb, Illinois became the recognized winner in this series of improvements with his 1873 and 1874 patents. Next to the fence is a juniper tree nearly covered with climbing bittersweet.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 44° 4.577′ N, 98° 34.576′ 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: Historic Stone Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Bur Oak Tree (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Nobles Trail (about 400 feet away); Old Grade Road (about 500 feet away); Plants Used For Food & Medicine

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(about 500 feet away); Governor Vessey - Father of Mother's Day (about 600 feet away); Robert S. Vessey (about 600 feet away); Wessington Springs Roadside Park (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wessington Springs.

Also see . . . Joseph Farwell Glidden | Barbed Wire, Fencing & Patents | Britannica. (Submitted on December 17, 2024.)

November 24, 2024

2. Barbed Wire Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2024. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2024.