Camp J.G. Sturgis / Scooptown
Camp J.G. Sturgis
Named for Lt. J.G. Sturgis, killed June 25, 1876 at Battle of Little Big Horn. Established July 1, 1878 in this area by Cos. G.F.I.K., 1st US Infantry; D.G. 11th US Infantry; Hq. & Trs. A.C.D.E.G.I.K.M. 7th US Cavalry; Col. S.D. Sturgis, Comdg. joined command July 18; Trs. H.L. joined Aug. 8. Abandoned Aug. 28 troops moving to Camp Ruhlen (now Ft. Meade). Cavalry was one day late to prevent Wagnus massacre a few miles north.
Scooptown
Was located 1 mile west at Grasshopper Jim Frederick's store so named by the soldiers who were likely to be "scooped" (cleaned out) over at that caravansary. The name migrated when the soldiers went to Camp Ruhlen and Sturgis was so called for a time.
Marker is at the intersection of 130th Avenue (State Highway 79) and 201st Street, on the right when traveling north on 130th Avenue.
Courtesy hmdb.org
