National Register Listing

Milford Hutterite Colony

a.k.a. Hofer Farm

NE of Lake Byron, Carpenter, SD
This site was founded as a daughter colony of Lake Byron but was never established as a working, settled colony before the migration to Canada in 1918. It is now owned by the Hofer family. There are five historic, landmark structures remaining from the colony. Another source gives the dates as 1910 to 1918 and states that this is the daughter colony of Old Elmspring.

Located along a stream northeast of Lake Byron, which flows into the James River, the colony is sited on the slope above the watercourse. Aligned on a north-south axis only one dwelling remains from the domestic core. The other structures are outbuildings placed on either side of the drive.
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development; Exploration/settlement; Architecture; Religion; Philosophy

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

The Black Hills of South Dakota are also home to the Crazy Horse Volksmarch, an annual event that allows visitors to hike up to the base of the Crazy Horse Memorial.
South Dakota random facts
Beadle County, South Dakota, was established on January 8, 1879, and named in honor of William H. Beadle, a Dakota Territory legislator. The region that would become Beadle County was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sioux. The area saw significant change with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century, as they established homesteads and agriculture became the mainstay of the economy.

The county's first town, Huron, was founded in 1880 and quickly became the county seat. Railroads played a crucial role in the growth of Beadle County, connecting it to other major cities and allowing for increased transportation of goods and people. The completion of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway in 1880 helped further establish Huron as an agricultural hub.

During its early years, Beadle County experienced rapid population growth and economic prosperity, driven primarily by agriculture and the railroad industry. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate made it well-suited for farming, and crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans became the backbone of the local economy. The influx of settlers and investment in infrastructure led to the establishment of numerous small towns and schools throughout the county.

Over the years, Beadle County has faced challenges, including droughts, economic recessions, and the decline of small family farms. However, the county has also adapted and diversified its economy. Today, Beadle County is home to a variety of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. With its rich history and ongoing development, Beadle County continues to be an important part of South Dakota's growth and prosperity.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Beadle County, South Dakota.

  • 1879 - Beadle County is established, named after William Henry Harrison Beadle.
  • 1880 - Huron, the county seat of Beadle County, is founded.
  • 1882 - The Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway reaches Huron, leading to increased settlement and economic growth.
  • 1883 - The first courthouse is built in Huron.
  • 1887 - The Agricultural College of South Dakota (now South Dakota State University) is established in Brookings, just north of Beadle County.
  • 1893 - The Huron University is established, providing higher education opportunities to the region.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to significant economic challenges for Beadle County, as agriculture and industry are severely impacted.
  • 1953 - The South Dakota State Fair relocates to Huron, boosting the local economy and attracting visitors from across the state.
  • 1974 - The Huron Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places, preserving the city's unique architectural heritage.
  • 1997 - The Huron Event Center opens, providing a modern venue for conventions, conferences, and cultural events in Beadle County.
  • 2010 - Beadle County celebrates its 131st anniversary since its establishment.