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

Sumac Used By Native Americans

November 24, 2024

1. Sumac Used By Native Americans Marker

Inscription. Smooth Sumac shrubs are very prominent here near the ski area and in the hills and gulches nearby. Their great numbers help to stabilize the soil preventing erosion and landslides. As a forest moves up the hillside, one of the first plants you see is sumac. The Native Americans used the trunk of the sumac for the stems of their pipes. Medicine was made from the dried fruits of sumac and yarrow. They used wild licorice and sumac leaves for making drinks. Their leaves turn a beautiful bright red in the fall.

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

Location. 44° 4.509′ N, 98° 34.381′ W. Marker is in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, in Jerauld County. It can be reached from the intersection of Dakota Avenue South and 4th Street Southeast, on the right when traveling south. Located along the Old Grade Trail, at the bottom of the ski hill. 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: City Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Rube Goldberg Ski Lift Gadget (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wessington Springs Trivia (about 500 feet away); Wessington Springs Roadside Park

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

November 24, 2024

2. Sumac Used By Native Americans Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2024. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2024.