Historic Sumter Yellowstone Trail Marker

History Lost…
…Sumter Historical Yellowstone Trail Marker:The Museum would also like to ask for your help concerning a  crime that occurred in the month of December of last year.  The historic metal sign, pictured at the left was stolen from its location in Sumter, MN.  The sign historically marked the Yellowstone Trail that once went through McLeod County.  This was one of the first road signs that were uniformly designed and distributed signs along this major highway in the 1920s.  Before this time, signs were not uniform and were made of anything from wood to painted rocks, and indeed, a common marker for the Yellowstone Trail was a yellow painted rock with an arrow.  As roads and automobiles improved, the need for better signage and more accurate mile markers between towns was required.  The Museum has only one other example of this early historic sign in its collection, which can be viewed by the public, when taking a tour of our displays.  This sign was left in its original spot along Hwy. 212, which was based on the earlier Yellowstone Trail.  It stood as a reminder of an earlier time in our County’s history and could be viewed by anyone driving by.  Now only a metal post remains of this historic marker.  A reward is being offered for the return of this historic artifact and all information leading to the recovery of the sign will be kept confidential.  Call 507-587-2109, e-mail asa@hutchtel.net, or 380 School Road NW, Hutchinson, MN if you have any information.  Thank you.