Oelrichs
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 43° 10.869 W 103° 14.265
13T E 643216 N 4782439
Historical marker commemorating the founding of Town of Oelrichs in southwest South Dakota.
Waymark Code: WM1YDX
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 08/03/2007
Views: 29
Oelriches
The Town of Oelrichs, Dakota Territory, began in 1885.
Harry Oelrichs (1856-1902) of New York came in 1882 and bought out several
large cattle ranches, totaling 35,000 head of cattle, for the Anglo-American
Cattle Company. At his time, thousands of Texas longhorn cattle roamed
freely throughout the area. In 1885 the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri
Valley Railroad was completed through the town. In the same year Harry
Oelrichs established his headquarters east of the railroad tracks, which was
formerly the Tan Ranch. He brought culture to the town, and many social
activities took place. Celebrities frequently visited. Ill health
forced him to return to New York in 1887. The town boasted over 2,000
people at this time. In 1887 an abattoir was built near the railroad
tracks. Cattle and hogs were slaughtered daily and shipped to eastern
markets. The abattoir closed in 1889. The setters began fencing
their claims, closing the open range and forcing the larger ranches out.
Oelrichs became a farming and ranching community and remains that today.
In the proud and independent spirit of today's people and in the steadfast
spirit of our ancestors. We dedicate this plaque for future generation
1989 ~ text of marker