USGS
Triangulation Station
"CHEYENNE"

1893

Jerry Penry
May 13, 2019

This original 1893 monument is located approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Fairburn, South Dakota, along a ridge of hills about one mile to the southeast of the South Fork of French Creek. It was discovered in buckbrush with other scattered stones lying around the same area. The bronze disk was added to the stone later, possibly in 1897, when the triangulation continued and these disks were first used. The 1893 description stated a rock cairn west located 6' south of the monument. It is 10 miles east of the eastern edge of the Black Hills.

Approaching the plateau from the northwest where the monument is located.

The monument was found under buckbrush.

The triangulation station with other stones scattered around the area.

The monument with a bronze disk that was added later. The letters "U" and "G" are visible on the left side.

Closeup of the bronze disk. The letters B.M. are for Bench Mark, but this not an elevation marker.

Looking to the southeast from the edge of the hill about 50 yards to the south.

Another view of the landscape that is south of the monument's location.

Looking over the monument and lined up with Black Elk (Harney) Peak to the northwest about 28 miles in the distance.
Stones were piled up where the old cairn once stood.

Back to USGS Black Hills Triangulation

© Jerry Penry 2019