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

Grassland Versus Forest

November 24, 2024

1. Grassland Versus Forest Marker

Inscription. Up here out of the draw the wind blows harder and the sun is hotter. This makes it drier. These climatic factors produce a grassland instead of a forest. The predominant grass in this area is smooth brome. Native Americans often used wild plants for medicinal purposes. The dried fruits of sumac and yarrow were used for medicine. Black Sampson (purple coneflower) was chewed for toothache. Other common grassland plants include buckbrush (western snowberry), wild rose, prairie turnip, buffalo grass and creeping jenny.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Science & Medicine.

Location. 44° 4.483′ N, 98° 34.648′ W. Marker is in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, in Jerauld County. It can be reached from State Highway 34 0.3 miles west of Dakota Avenue South, on the right when traveling west. 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: Plants Used For Food & Medicine (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Stone Bridge (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Nobles Trail (about 500 feet away); Barbed Wire (about

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600 feet away); Robert S. Vessey (about 700 feet away); Governor Vessey - Father of Mother's Day (about 700 feet away); Wessington Springs Roadside Park (about 700 feet away); Rube Goldberg Ski Lift Gadget (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wessington Springs.

November 24, 2024

2. Grassland Versus Forest Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2024. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2024.