USGS
Bench Mark
"DW 5696"

ca. 1898

Jerry Penry
September 4, 2010

This bench mark, known as "DW 5696", is an early example of what the U. S. Geological Survey designated as a "copper bolt" monument. These monuments do not have threads, but are solid copper shafts 1-inch in diameter. The surveyors purposely tried to place them in conspicuous locations such as rock formations. In the case of DW 5696, the surveyor placed the bolt in an outcropping of white quartz rock that stood out in the area of other rock formations. This bench mark is along the former Burlington Railroad north of Custer, South Dakota, that is now being used at the Mickelson Hiking Trail. Recovered by Kurt Luebke and Jerry Penry.

Original description for DW 5696 from the 1890's.

bench mark as seen looking up from the old railroad grade.

Copper bolt in white quartz rock.

Side view of the copper bolt slightly above the white quartz rock.

Top surface of the copper bolt bench mark.

This diamgram shows the copper bolt monument and a steel die stamp used by USGS in the 1890's.
From the USGS Annual Report of 1896-97.

Other Deadwood Datum Bench Marks

© Jerry Penry 2010