Deadwood in Lawrence County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

American Railway Express Freight Wagon Restoration

— A Trail to Deadwood's Past —

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 30, 2025

1. American Railway Express Freight Wagon Restoration Marker

Inscription. Freight wagons, such as the one before you, were once used in most railroad depots across America. Shortly after the advent of World War I, the United States government consolidated all the independently owned freight express companies and formed the American Railway Express Agency. After the war, the express businesses were not returned to their original owners, but remained part of the American Railway Express Company.

In 2017, this freight wagon underwent a complete restoration by staff at Deadwood History, Inc. While disassembling the wagon, DHI staff discovered "AM. RY. EX", (American Railway Express Company) stamped on the rear main support along with serial number "30808". Based on the style and serial numbers, this cart was manufactured between 1918 and 1929.

The three pieces of luggage were purchased from the Deadwood Antique Emporium, (409 Cliff Street) and refinished by Deadwood resident Lynn Namminga.

(Captions)
The last trek of the Chicago & Northwestern Company equipment from the Deadwood Passenger Depot to the Freight Depot, January 29, 1953. City of Deadwood Archives
Above - Overview of the American Railway Express Freight Wagon before the restoration.
Below - Underside of the freight wagon chassis.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in

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this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is January 29, 1953.

Location. 44° 22.536′ N, 103° 43.797′ W. Marker is in Deadwood, South Dakota, in Lawrence County. It is on Siever Street south of Deadwood Street, on the right when traveling south. Location of the marker is on the freight wagon underneath the former Deadwood Train Depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 Siever Street, Deadwood SD 57732, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West River.

It is also in the American Black Hills,

in the 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: Black Hills Railroads (here, next to this marker); Weight a Minute (here, next to this marker); Sherman Street and the East Side (within shouting distance of this marker); Deadwood (within shouting distance of this marker); W. E. Adams Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Black Hills Pioneers (within shouting distance of this marker); History Buried Beneath Your Feet (within shouting distance of this marker); Job Corps Project (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deadwood.

More about this marker. The former Deadwood Train Depot is the current home of Deadwood History and Information Center.

American Railway Express Freight Wagon Restoration Marker on the wagon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 30, 2025

2. American Railway Express Freight Wagon Restoration Marker on the wagon

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 30, 2025

3. American Railway Express Freight Wagon Restoration Marker

Under the former Deadwood Train Depot, which is now the Deadwood History & Information Center

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 116 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 31, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.