Elk Point in Union County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Patrick Gass
1771 - 1870
September 26, 2026
1. Patrick Gass Marker
By a vote of the Corps...
Sergeant Patrick Gass was elected to replace Sergeant Floyd, who died two days earlier. This vote on August 22, 1804 at the "Elk Sign" campsite (Elk Point), tested the noble experiment of the United States democracy in the Louisiana Territory. Gass received 19 votes to win the first election by United States citizens west of the Mississippi River.
As citizen of Virginia and chief carpenter for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Sergeant Gass published the first account of the Expedition in 1807.
He is buried in Wellsburg, West Virginia.
The bust was sculpted by Agnes Vincent Talbot of Boise, Idaho.
August 15, 2003
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 22, 1804.
Location. 42° 40.993′ N, 96° 41.607′ W. Marker is in Elk Point, South Dakota, in Union County. It can be reached from South Harrison Street ¼ mile south of West Jefferson Street. Located at the Lewis and Clark Wayside Exhibit in Heritage
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in East River. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, 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: A different marker also named A Land of Plenty (here, next to this marker); U.S. Democracy Cross the Mississippi River (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Entering an Uncertain Land (here, next to this marker); The Lewis and Clark Expedition (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite (here, next to this marker); Flags of Elk Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis & Clark Campsite / Eli Wixson Farm Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elk Point (approx.
September 26, 2026
2. Patrick Gass Marker & Bust
Other markers no longer nearby. A Land of Plenty (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); U.S. Democracy Crosses the Mississippi River (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Entering an Uncertain Land (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
September 26, 2026
3. Patrick Gass Bust by A. Vincen Talbot
September 26, 2026
4. Patrick Gass Bust by A. Vincen Talbot
SGT. Patrick Gass
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
1804–1806
-A. Vincen Talbot ©2002
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
1804–1806
-A. Vincen Talbot ©2002
September 26, 2026
5. Lewis and Clark's Campsite in Elk Point
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2026. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 1, 2026.
