Founding of the American Legion

September 1, 2015, 5:45 pm

California, Siskiyou County, Hornbook

This plaque commemorates the 60th anniversary of the American Legion. The national charter was signed in Hornbook on Sept. 16, 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson while his train stopped enroute from Portland to San Francisco.

(Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War, World I) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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The Landmark Building

September 1, 2015, 6:11 pm

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Connecticut, Hartford County, Simsbury

The Landmark Building
760 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, Connecticut This building was designed by the architectural firm of Smith & Bassette in 1917 for Simsbury Bank & Trust Company, the first bank in the Farmington River Valley. It stands as a fine example of commercial Colonial Revival architecture, which was popular during the early part of the twentieth century. The project was commissioned by Joseph R. Ensign (1868-1941), a prominent local industrialist and principal in what is now Ensign-Bickford Industries.
Through the years, this building was also occupied by the Southern New England Telephone Company, the Simsbury War Bureau, the local chapter of the American Red Cross, Simsbury Town Offices (1974-1981), and various local businesses.
In October, 1993, this building was purchased by Landmark Partners Inc. and was completely restored to its original integrity. The building was renamed The Landmark Building when the restoration was completed in June, 1994.

(side plaque)
Simsbury Bank & Trust Company Building was Individually Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on November 20, 1986, by the National Park Service. The Building has been rehabilitated in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Contoocook Railroad Bridge and Depot

September 1, 2015, 6:18 pm

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New Hampshire, Merrimack County, Hopkinton

Built in 1889 on the granite abutments of an older span, this is the world's oldest surviving covered railroad bridge. It was probably designed by Boston & Maine Railroad engineer Jonathan Parker Snow (1848–1933) and built by carpenter David Hazelton (1832–1908). Under Snow, the Boston & Maine utilized wooden bridges on its branch lines until after 1900, longer than any other major railroad. The nearby depot was built in 1850 on the earlier Concord & Claremont Railroad, which was acquired by the Boston & Maine in 1887.

(Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Essie Pearl Davison

September 1, 2015, 6:24 pm

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Iowa, Page County, Clarinda

This 400 Acre Farm
Given to Page County, Iowa
November 29, 1991

"as a memorial to my father
Allen Davison"

Dedicated November 1, 1994

(Agriculture • Charity & Public Work) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Law Enforcement

September 1, 2015, 6:42 pm

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North Dakota, Billings County, Medora

From its formation in 1879 to its official organization on April 12, 1886, Billings County had no county offices or officials. All administrative duties were performed through the Morton County Courthouse at Mandan, some 130 miles to the east.

The absence of a local lawman during the early boom years of Little Missouri and Medora resulted in the towns gaining a wide reputation as hell-roaring Wild West towns. This reputation was exaggerated in the press, but shootings did occur and at least two men were killed in gunfights: William S. Livingston on July 17, 1881, and William Riley Luffsey on June 26, 1883.

Fred Willard, a young man who came to town with experience as a lawman and gunfighter, was appointed a Deputy U.S. Marshal in June 1885, and immediately posted notice that shooting in town was prohibited. With the organization of Billings County the following year, Willard was elected the first sheriff.

The only Billings County officer to die in the line of duty was Sheriff Fred Patrikus, who was shot by a Minnesota fugitive on August 20, 1940. Patrikus died five days later.
Medora’s Hanging TreeWhile there is no record of an actual lynching ever occurring in Medora, the town received notoriety for its “Hanging Tree.” The photograph above was taken in December, 1895, in the aftermath of a controversial murder trial.

On December 21, 1894, it was reported that cowboy and hunter Ed Severson was killed by a horse kick early that morning on the ranch of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wadsworth, along the Little Missouri River north of Medora. The coroner found Severson’s body in the corral, and without suspicion substantiated the manner of death. While neighbors were dressing the body for burial, however, they discovered a bullet hole in his chest.

Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth proclaimed their innocence, but their 15-year-old ranch hand Harry Roehm confessed that Wadsworth had paid him $200 to shoot Steverson, and was present at the killing. Harry Roehm pleaded guilty to the murder and on March 28, 1895, he was sentenced to a term in reform school at Plankinton, South Dakota.

The Wadsworth trial was moved to Bismarck in Burleigh County, where Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth provided each other with alibis. On December 21, 1895 – one year to the day after Severson’s death – the jury found the defendants not guilty. Medora residents expressed their rage at the verdict by hanging the jury in effigy and displaying a large banner on the side of the de Mores Hotel. An enterprising photographer recorded the scene for posterity.

Following the acquittal, Mark Wadsworth and his wife stayed for a short time at Dickinson, then sold their property, and left the area.

(Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Billings County Courthouse

September 1, 2015, 7:27 pm

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North Dakota, Billings County, Medora

Billings County was formed in 1879 and organized in 1886. Medora became the county seat in 1886, three years before North Dakota became a state in 1889. The first county offices were located in Roberts Hall.

Two small homes built in the 1880s were joined and the single building became the Billings County Courthouse in the early 1900s. The second floor with courtroom was added in 1913.

The Register of Deeds vault (the brick addition on the north side) was added in the 1950s. A new courthouse, next door to the south, was built in 1983. In 1984, county commissioners turned the old courthouse over to the Billings County Historical Society and renamed it the Billings County Museum, whose grand opening took place on May 25, 1986.

The Billings County Museum is owned and maintained by Billings County and run by the Billings County Historical Society. Special highlights of the Museum are the restored courtroom and early pioneer days jail.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

(Government) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Clarinda Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial

September 1, 2015, 7:52 pm

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Iowa, Page County, Clarinda

POW / MIA
Duty • Honor • Sacrifice
——————————
"America means freedom and there's no expression of freedom quite so sincere as music."
Major Glenn Miller

1Lt Vernon Baker
Medal of Honor Recipient
WWII • Korea

(Patriots & Patriotism • War, Korean • War, World II) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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6th Indiana Infantry

September 1, 2015, 8:11 pm

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Georgia, Catoosa County, near Fort Oglethorpe

Text on the Front Side of the Monument:

6th Regiment Indiana Infantry
3rd Brigade - Baldwin
2nd Division - Johnson
20th Corps - McCook
Text on the Back Side of the Monument:

Indiana's Tribute
To Her
Sixth Regiment Infantry.
Lieutenant Colonel Hagerman Tripp, Commanding
Third Brigade (Baldwin).
Second Division (Johnson).
Twentieth Corps (McCook).
The Regiment arrived in this vicinity at 12 M., September 19th, formed line, advanced with the Brigade, meeting the enemy half a mile in front of this position, and driving him to the vicinity of the Winfrey field; held that position until sunset; then moved a short distance to the left and was attacked, fighting hand to hand. In this engagement Colonel P.P. Baldwin was killed, remained until near 9 p.m., and returned to this position. This stone marks the position of the Sixth Indiana, September 20th, where it was hotly engaged. Colonel Tripp was wounded here. At 5:30 p.m. the Regiment withdrew under fire with the Division to the woods west of the Kelly field, and thence to Rossville.
Casualties: killed 13, wounded 116, missing 31, total 160.

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 8 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Medora Stage and Forwarding Company

September 1, 2015, 8:28 pm

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North Dakota, Billings County, Medora

Marquis de Mores: A grand entrepreneur. In the fall of 1884 he inaugurated daily round-trip stage and freight service from Medora to the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Four coaches were purchased. The Kittie, Medora, Dakota and Deadwood stages could make the trip to the gold fields with a four- to six-horse hitch in 36 hours, depending on the weather. The original Deadwood coach is on display at the Chateau de Mores.

The cost of the 215-mile ride was $21.50 per person. In addition to the coaches, other teams pulled wagons loaded with up to two tons of freight from the rail yards of Medora to the Black Hills. Stage stations were established every 10 to 15 miles and drivers were paid $50 a month plus “three hots and a cot.”

The vision of de Mores faced many challenges. One challenge was landing a major mail contract. Competition in the stage and freight business was intense.

After only seven and a half months, the Marquis’ adventure in the stagecoach business ended. The Bad Lands Cow Boy reported: “On May 19th (1885) the entire stage outfit rolled in, horses, coaches, station furniture and all.”

(Communications • Roads & Vehicles) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Jessie Field Shambaugh

September 1, 2015, 8:38 pm

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Iowa, Page County, Clarinda

In 1901, as a country school teacher, Jessie Field created practical farm and home courses for her students as part of the regular curriculum. Later, as superintendent of Page County schools, she expanded these clubs and camps to include all rural students. By 1912, she used the 3H and later the 4H emblem, and she is known as one of the earliest 4H leaders in the United States. As teacher, superintendent, author, and National YMCA Secretary for Rural Work, Mrs. Shambaugh pioneered one of the greatest youth movements of modern times.

(Agriculture • Charity & Public Work • Education • Horticulture & Forestry) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Morgan in Glasgow

September 1, 2015, 9:01 pm

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Kentucky, Barren County, Glasgow

As Morgan’s command was marching out of Alexandria, Tennessee en route to Muldraugh Hill, a battalion of the 2nd Michigan Cavalry was ordered from Gallatin, Tennessee to Munfordville. The two forces met at Glasgow, Kentucky on Christmas Eve, 1862.

Morgan arrived about six miles south of Glasgow in the early evening. He sent two companies of cavalry under the command of Capt. Thomas Quirk into town to determine if it was unoccupied. At about the same time a company of the 2nd Michigan rode into Glasgow.

The two forces entered town from opposite directions, at first unaware that the other was present. Soon the horsemen met in the twilight and a firefight began. In the chaos that followed men and horses became entangled in a running battle. Carbine, rifle and pistol fire erupted, creating deadly Christmas Eve fireworks. A desperate struggle was underway; hard, intense fighting that eventually turned in the favor of the Confederates. The Union cavalry was forced out of town, leaving the Barren County seat in the hands of the Confederates.

The 2nd Michigan retreated to Cave City, leaving two dead and sixteen prisoners behind and taking seven prisoners with them. Morgan’s men lost three killed.

(Upper Left Illustration Caption)
Capt. Thomas Quirk
Tom Quirk commanded a company of men known as Quirk’s Scouts. These men were always in the forefront before an attack and often served as Morgan’s rearguard in the event of a retreat.

(Upper Right Illustration Caption)
Morgan had gotten into Barren County without meeting Union opposition, at Glasgow that changed.

(Lower Left Illustration Caption)
As Morgan approached Glasgow his men captured a large sutler’s wagon laden with Christmas treats for the Union army. The sutler reluctantly surrendered the holiday gifts to the Confederate cause, providing a festive Christmas for many of Morgan’s men.

(Lower Right Illustration Caption)
The skirmish at Glasgow was one of the few times Morgan’s men fought in the saddle. They generally dismounted before engaging Federal soldiers.

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Hotel de Mores

September 1, 2015, 9:27 pm

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North Dakota, Billings County, Medora

The Hotel de Mores was built by the Marquis de Mores in 1883 and served as a boarding house for up to 100 people. The 100-foot by 25-foot hotel was located north of the railroad depot and faced north.

Manager George Fitzgerald advertised it as the best hotel in Medora, providing rooms for $2.00 per day or $6.00 per week. A livery stable and bar operated in connection with the hotel. The bar advertised the very best quality of wines, liquors and cigars.

During the winter of the 1883-84, the hotel was the social center of Medora. Dances were held on weekends and the hotel dining room was also used for meetings and social gatherings.

When Fitzgerald left to operate his new Metropolitan Hotel in 1885, the Marquis had the facility remodeled. A porch and veranda were added, the building was veneered with Medora-made brick, and the kitchen and rooms were filled with new furniture. The building was renamed the Northern Pacific Hotel and officially reopened June 1, 1885. Arch Boyd was the operator. It featured dances and social hops and served as an office to traveling businessmen.

Because Marquis de Mores’ businesses were failing, Boyd closed the Northern Pacific Hotel in 1886, gathered his possessions, and left town. Hotel de Mores caught fire from a burning haystack and burned to the ground on September 13, 1897.

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Case Research Lab

September 1, 2015, 9:46 pm

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New York, Cayuga County, Auburn

Case Research Lab
Birthplace of talking movies
in 1924. Theodore Case
developed sound film and
partnered with Fox Studios
to create Movietone News.

(Communications • Entertainment) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Stockmens State Bank

September 1, 2015, 9:58 pm

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North Dakota, Billings County, Medora

In late 1908, Christ Pederson of Dickinson purchased the General Store from Joe Ferris and moved to Medora.

On August 6, 1909, Pederson, Harve Robinson, and George Burgess filed a Certificate of Organization. The Stockmens State Bank was capitalized at $15,000 and the ownership was equally divided among the three partners.

Construction of a new building began at the corner of what today is Pacific Avenue and Main Street. By October 22, 1909, the building was awaiting fixtures and the vault door. The Billings County Herald reported the abstract office of Burgess & Keohane would be moving from the Billings County Courthouse to the bank.

In the fall of 1938, the Stockmens State Bank entered bankruptcy, a result of the Great Depression. By November 1938, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation established a claim center in the bank building. Patrons were encouraged to submit their claims as expeditiously as possible.

In years following, the building was used as a government office and then converted to a restaurant.

(Industry & Commerce) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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1836 Willard Mansion

September 1, 2015, 10:02 pm

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New York, Cayuga County, Auburn

1836 Willard Mansion
A family home based on the
cornstarch fortune of Dr.
Sylvester Willard, philanthropist
and Secretary of the Auburn
Theological Seminary

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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The Bad Lands Cow Boy

September 1, 2015, 10:35 pm

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North Dakota, Billings County, Medora

At the age of 22, Arthur T. Packard started Medora’s first newspaper, The Bad Lands Cow Boy. The first issue came off the press on February 7, 1884. Marquis de Mores was the major advertiser in the paper.

Editor Packard produced a paper that balanced national news and feature articles with entertaining local news and coverage of the vital range cattle industry. As happened in most frontier towns, occasional shootings and violence were also featured in the local press.

A frequent visitor to The Bad Lands Cow Boy office was young rancher and writer Theodore Roosevelt. Packard befriended Roosevelt and cautioned him about carrying a six-shooter in town.

Packard knew Roosevelt was no match for local cowboys who liked to drink and quarrel, and Packard set up a shooting demonstration. Two cans were thrown into the air and local cowboy Billy Roberts perforated both cans before they hit the ground.

Due to poor eyesight, Roosevelt was not a good shot. From that time on, he left his pistol at the newspaper office while in town. In 1886, after hearing Roosevelt’s Fourth of July speech at nearby Dickinson, Packard predicted that Roosevelt might one day become President.

The Bad Lands Cow Boy ceased publication after a fire destroyed its office on January 12, 1887.

(Communications • Industry & Commerce) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Ralph “Doc” Hubbard

September 1, 2015, 11:03 pm

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North Dakota, Billings County, Medora

Ralph “Doc” Hubbard was one of the most accomplished people to call Medora home. He was born on June 22, 1885, in New York to Elbert Hubbard, a prominent author and publisher, and Bertha Crawford Hubbard.

Doc first visited Medora around 1905, and eventually settled in the community in 1964, managing the Fur Trade and Wildlife Museum (present site of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame). Between 1905 and 1964, Hubbard wrote books, ranched, served in World War I, wrote a section of the Boy Scouts of America Handbook, mentored youth and taught in high schools and colleges.

Hubbard’s love of the American West and American Indian culture helped him become a nationally recognized authority in those fields. He also crafted Indian clothing and accouterments. He also accompanied Indian dancers and troupes of Boy Scouts across America and Europe.

Hubbard’s novel, Queer Person, appeared in 1930; it was followed by Wolf Song in 1978. Nellie Snyder Yost published Hubbard’s biography, A Man As Big As The West, in 1979.

Doc Hubbard died November 14, 1980, and is buried in the Medora Cemetery. A street in Medora and an asteroid is named in his honor, a testament to the lives touched through his writings and teachings.

(Notable Persons) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Willich's Brigade.

September 2, 2015, 12:23 am

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Georgia, Catoosa County, Fort Oglethorpe

Willich's Brigade
Johnson's Division - McCook's Corps.
Brigadier General August Willich
September 20, 1863, morning

89th Illinois - Lieutenant Colonel Duncan J. Hall.
89th Illinois - Major William D. Williams.
32nd Indiana - Lieutenant Colonel Frank Erdelmeyer.
39th Indiana - Colonel Thomas J. Harrison detached.
15th Ohio - Lieutenant Colonel Frank Askew.
49th Ohio - Major Samuel F. Gray.
49th Ohio - Captain Luther M. Strong.
1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A - Captain Wilbur F. Goodspeed.
The brigade formed on this ground as the reserve of its division. Upon the first advance of the Confederates it moved to the line in front , and assisted in repulsing them. It then returned to its position in reserve and took part in checking the advance of Breckinridge's division into the Kelly field. In this action Goodspeed's battery took prominent part.

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Trumbull

September 2, 2015, 5:22 am

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Connecticut, Fairfield County, Trumbull

The northwest farmers of Stratford formed the Village of Unity in October, 1725. They united in 1744 with the Long Hill parish of the Stratfield section of Stratford to become the Society of North Stratford. The Society controlled its own religious and educational affairs. To have a voice, however, in governmental functions such as adopting laws and establishing taxes, the inhabitants were required to attend town meetings in Stratford, an overnight journey. After ten years of unsuccessful petitions, the General Assembly granted complete town rights in October, 1797, and the Town was named for General Washington's staunch supporter, Revolutionary War Governor Jonathan Trumbull.

(Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Millstones

September 2, 2015, 6:06 am

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Michigan, Macomb County, Ray Township

These stones were used in this mill from the time it opened in 1847 until 1890 when they were replaced by roller mills. These comprise one set, or "run", of stones with a bottom stationary stone ("bedstone") and a top, rotating stone ("runner"). At Wolcott Mill, three run of stones were operated at the same time.

The stones are made up of many pieces. These came from France, and were fitted and held together by an outside iron band. French "Buhr" stones were considered the best type for grinding grain.

Through use, the stones gradually wore down and would need periodic "Dressing". This consisted of separating the stones and leveling the grinding surfaces before chiseling in radiating grooves. These grooves, or "furrows", aided grinding by shearing off husks, directing the product to the outer edge, and allowing air movement for cooling.

(Industry & Commerce) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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