USGS / USC&GS
Triangulation Stations
"ELK" & "ELK"

1897 & 1912

Jerry Penry
September 2, 2010

(Photos by Kurt Luebke)

These two triangulation stations with the same name, "ELK", were established by two government agencies in 1897 (USGS) and 1912 (USC&GS). The USGS monument is a 3/4" copper bolt while the USC&GS monument is a standard bronze tablet, the first design used by that agency. The two monuments are only 3.40' apart.

The stations are at the extreme north end of the Elk Mountains in the southwest region of the Black Hills, approximately one half mile east of the Wyoming/South Dakota border. The nearest town is Newcastle, WY, which is approximately 12 miles to the northwest.

Looking north over the USC&GS and USGS monuments.

Looking south over the monuments.

Closeup of the 1897 USGS copper bolt.

Closeup of the 1912 USC&GS bronze tablet.

USC&GS Reference Mark established in 1912.

Closeup of the USC&GS Reference Mark.

Looking southwest from the top of the mountain.

Looking northwest from the top of the mountain.

Looking southeast from the top of the mountain.

Back to USGS Black Hills Triangulation

© Jerry Penry 2010