Morristown in Corson County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Bismarck-Deadwood Stage Trail
At this point the Bismarck-Deadwood Stage Trail passed in a line extending about 240 miles from northeast to southwest. In 1877, the Dakota Territorial Legislature commissioned the survey of the trail, which transported passengers and freight between Bismarck, the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and Deadwood. Rich mineral deposits in the Black Hills had been confirmed by an 1874 expedition led by General George Custer.
The first four-horse Concord stagecoaches, owned by the Northwestern Express, Stage and Transportation Company, started over the trail from Bismarck in April 1877 with daily service in operation by May. A typical run took 36 hours and a one-way ticket cost $23. As many as 26 stagecoaches and more that 200 teams comprised the rolling stock. The Company also utilized many mule and oxen wagons to haul freight. Twenty relay stations and two overnight stations serviced the line.
A shorter trail to the Black Hills was later opened from Pierre, and by late 1880 the Bismarck route was abandoned by official traffic. The trail subsequently served area ranchers and settlers until a modern road system was developed.
Erected 2006 by The Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission. (Marker Number 699.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1877.
Location. 45° 56.274′ N, 101° 41.004′ W. Marker is in Morristown, South Dakota, in Corson County. Marker is on Highway 12, 0.2 miles west of 222nd Ave, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Morristown SD 57645, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 288 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on January 13, 2022. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 24, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.