Blue Star Memorial Highway

BLUE STAR

Memorial Highway

This visible attraction can be found on Highway 83. The Blue Star Memorial Highway marker was erected by the South Dakota State Federation of Garden Clubs.  Blue Star Memorial Highways are highways in the United States that are marked to pay tribute to the U.S. armed forces. The National Council of State Garden Clubs, now known as National Garden Clubs, Inc., started the program in 1945 after World War II. The blue star was used on service flags to denote a service member fighting in the war. The program has since been expanded to include Memorial Markers and Memorial By-ways (since 1994). These markers are used in National Cemeteries, parks, veterans facilities, and gardens. 

Farther back from the highway, partially concealed by a cedar tree, is another historical marker, of granite, erected by the Selby Commercial Club in 1950. The map depicts the ghost-county seat town of Bangor, other county seats, other ghost towns, and landmarks across Walworth County. This marker is unusual both for its geographical detail and for its antiquarian interest.