Raesly House
Second and East Rd., Plankinton, SDThe Raesly House is located just east of Plankinton, Aurora County, South Dakota. The house is significant as a fine example of a hipped roof with lower cross gables subtype of the Queen Arne Style.
Aurora County was created in 1879 and organized in 1881. The Arikara followed by the Sioux were the last two American Indian groups to live in the area. Treaties in 1851, 1858, and 1867 ceded all lands east of the Missouri River in South Dakota to the U.S. government with the exception of the set reservations. With the railroad came waves of immigrants who poured into the area during the Great Dakota Boom of the 1880s in pursuit of cheap land. Agriculture remains the primary economic activity of the area.
The Raesly House was built by Marian and Josephine Raesly in circa 1883. The house was in the Raesly family for over 100 years. David and Ruth Merrill purchased the property in 2003.
The Queen Anne style was most popular from roughly 1880 through the turn of the century, although it did persist into the 1900's. The style is typified by irregular, steeply pitched roofs, asymmetrical facades and decorative elements such as differing shingle patterns used to avoid flat walls. The Raesly House is a typical representation of the Queen Anne style.
The house exhibits many of the characteristics associated with the Queen Anne style. It has the irregular roof, asymmetrical porch, and a two-story bay window. The house has seen few alterations over time and those that have occurred have been mostly cosmetic.
The Raesly House is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C, for its architectural value and significance in Plankinton, South Dakota.
Local significance of the building:
Aurora County was created in 1879 and organized in 1881. The Arikara followed by the Sioux were the last two American Indian groups to live in the area. Treaties in 1851, 1858, and 1867 ceded all lands east of the Missouri River in South Dakota to the U.S. government with the exception of the set reservations. With the railroad came waves of immigrants who poured into the area during the Great Dakota Boom of the 1880s in pursuit of cheap land. Agriculture remains the primary economic activity of the area.
The Raesly House was built by Marian and Josephine Raesly in circa 1883. The house was in the Raesly family for over 100 years. David and Ruth Merrill purchased the property in 2003.
The Queen Anne style was most popular from roughly 1880 through the turn of the century, although it did persist into the 1900's. The style is typified by irregular, steeply pitched roofs, asymmetrical facades and decorative elements such as differing shingle patterns used to avoid flat walls. The Raesly House is a typical representation of the Queen Anne style.
The house exhibits many of the characteristics associated with the Queen Anne style. It has the irregular roof, asymmetrical porch, and a two-story bay window. The house has seen few alterations over time and those that have occurred have been mostly cosmetic.
The Raesly House is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C, for its architectural value and significance in Plankinton, South Dakota.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
South Dakota is home to the world's largest sculpture, the Crazy Horse Memorial. The sculpture, which has been under construction since 1948, depicts the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing towards the horizon.
About Aurora County
Aurora County Timeline
Aurora County, South Dakota, has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. The county was officially established on February 22, 1881, carved out of territory previously belonging to neighboring counties. It was named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora. The county seat, Plankinton, was named after railroad developer John Plankinton and was chosen due to its central location within the county.
In its early days, Aurora County relied heavily on agriculture for its economy. Settlers were attracted by fertile soils and an abundance of water sources, leading to the establishment of numerous farms and ranches. The arrival of the railroad in Plankinton in the late 1880s further boosted the county's growth and facilitated the transportation of goods.
The early 20th century brought several developments to Aurora County. The construction of highways improved accessibility and connected the county to neighboring areas. The county also saw the establishment of educational institutions, such as Plankinton High School and several rural schools, which played a crucial role in providing education to the local community.
Over the years, Aurora County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. From its agricultural roots, the county has diversified its economy to include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors. It remains a close-knit community with a strong sense of pride in its history and a commitment to its residents' well-being. Today, Aurora County offers a blend of rural charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.
In its early days, Aurora County relied heavily on agriculture for its economy. Settlers were attracted by fertile soils and an abundance of water sources, leading to the establishment of numerous farms and ranches. The arrival of the railroad in Plankinton in the late 1880s further boosted the county's growth and facilitated the transportation of goods.
The early 20th century brought several developments to Aurora County. The construction of highways improved accessibility and connected the county to neighboring areas. The county also saw the establishment of educational institutions, such as Plankinton High School and several rural schools, which played a crucial role in providing education to the local community.
Over the years, Aurora County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. From its agricultural roots, the county has diversified its economy to include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors. It remains a close-knit community with a strong sense of pride in its history and a commitment to its residents' well-being. Today, Aurora County offers a blend of rural charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.
Aurora County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Aurora County, South Dakota.
- 1803: The area that would become Aurora County is included in the Louisiana Purchase
- 1873: Aurora County is established and named after the natural phenomenon 'Aurora Borealis'
- 1880: The first post office is established in Aurora County
- 1882: The Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad is constructed through the county
- 1883: The county seat is established in Plankinton
- 1885: The county's first newspaper, "The Aurora County Republican", is published
- 1890: The population of Aurora County reaches 4,857
- 1930: The Dust Bowl devastates agriculture in Aurora County
- 1942: The U.S. Army establishes an airbase in the county during World War II
- 1956: Aurora County's first hospital, Aurora Plains Hospital, is established in Plankinton
- 1983: Aurora County celebrates its centennial anniversary with various events and activities
- 1995: Aurora Mall, the county's first shopping mall, opens in Aurora
- 2007: The county's population reaches its peak at 3,134 residents
- 2015: Aurora County celebrates its 142nd anniversary