USC&GS Triangulation Station "BULLOCK" Jerry Penry
1950
September 23, 2012
Triangulation station "Bullock" was located in the Black Hills of South Dakota on Scruton Mountain southwest of Pactola Reservoir. This mark was established as part of a vast network of stations by USC&GS in the Black Hills during 1950-51. The name "Bullock" is in honor of early Deadwood lawman Seth Bullock. The triangulation station disk as well as the three reference marks on the top of the mountain have all been pried out and stolen.
The location of Scruton Mountain near Pactola Reservoir.
The two peaks of Scruton Mountain. The triangulation station is on the left (south) while the lookout and communication tower is on the right.
Jenny and her dachshund Rock nearing the top after a long hike up the winding access road.
The water bottle marks the location where triangulation station "Bullock" should have been located before it was stolen.
The location of Reference Mark No. 1.
Closeup of the location for Reference Mark No. 1 where only the brass stem of the disk remains.
The location of Reference Mark No. 2.
Closeup of the location for Reference Mark No. 2 where only the brass stem of the disk remains.
The location of Reference Mark No. 3.
Closeup of the location for Reference Mark No. 3 where only the brass stem of the disk remains.
Stone steps that once led to a lookout tower on the south peak.
Various concrete supports for towers that once existed on the south peak.
Looking north toward the north peak. To Jenny's right is a wooden post set in concrete for unknown reasons.
The wood post.
A stone staircase that went down the north side of the south peak.
The landing at the bottom of the stone staircase.
Another view of the old stone staircase.
Looking northeast toward Pactola Reservoir. The water level is significantly down due to the drought.
Looking southeast from the top of the mountain where the Azimuth Mark is located.
A sign describing the life of Seth Bullock for which the triangulation station was named.
The Azimuth Mark at the bottom of the mountain. It is the only marker for "Bullock" that has not been stolen.
Another view of the Azimuth Mark location.
The Azimuth Mark was moved in 1975 away from the nearby road when it was widened.
The magenta line is the route taken going up and the green line is the route taken going down.
Seth Bullock
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© Jerry Penry 2012