Oelrichs in Fall River County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Oelrichs
A South Dakota Centennial Project
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 7, 2015
1. Oelrichs Marker
In 1885 the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad was completed through town. In the same year Harry Oelrichs established his headquarters east of the railroad tracks, which was formerly the Tan Ranch. He brought culture to the town, and many social activities took place. Celebrities frequently visited. Ill health forced him to return to New York in 1887. The town boasted over 2,000 people at this time. In 1887 an abattoir was built near the railroad tracks. Cattle and hogs were slaughtered daily and shipped to eastern markets. The abattoir closed in 1889. The settlers began fencing their claims, closing the open range and forcing the larger ranches out. Oelrichs became a farming and ranching community and remains that today.
In the proud and independent spirit of today's people and in the steadfast spirit
this page online
Erected 1989.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 43° 10.872′ N, 103° 14.268′ W. Marker is in Oelrichs, South Dakota, in Fall River County. It is at the intersection of Ash Street (U.S. 385) and West 6th Street, on the left when traveling north on Ash Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 Ash Street, Oelrichs SD 57763, 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.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 7, 2015
2. Oelrichs Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,259 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 8, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
