National Register Listings in
Bon Homme County, South Dakota

Bon Homme County Courthouse Bon Homme Hutterite Colony Campbell, Gen. Charles T., House Carnegie Public Library of Tyndall Frydrych, John, Farmstead Greenfield, Dr. John C., House Hakl, John, Chalkrock House Herman, Joseph, Chalkrock House Herman, Joseph, Log Stable Herman, Joseph, Rubblestone Barn Honner, Martin, Chalkrock House Koobs House Main Hall Merkwan, John and Kate, Log and Rubblestone House Merkwan, John and Kate, Rubblestone House-Barn Merkwan, John, Jr., Rubblestone House Methodist Episcopal Church Metzgers, William, New Emporium Monfore, Peter and Minnie, House Noll, Joseph, Chalkrock Barn Old St. Wenceslaus Catholic Parish House Perkins Congregational Church Scotland Main Street Historic District Scotland Residential Historic District Scotland Royal Theater Sedlacek, Jacob, Chalkrock House South Dakota Dept. of Transportation Bridge No. 05-028-200 South Dakota Dept. of Transportation Bridge No. 05-032-170 South Dakota Dept. of Transportation Bridge No. 05-138-080 South Dakota Dept. of Transportation Bridge No. 05-255-130 St. Andrew's Episcopal Church St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and Parish House Tabor School Teibel-Sykora Rubblestone Barn Thompson House Travnicek, John, Chalkrock House Wagner, Joseph V., House Walker, Albion, Chalkrock House ZCBJ Hall
South Dakota was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota. The state takes its name from the Dakota Sioux tribe.
South Dakota random facts
Bon Homme County, located in southeastern South Dakota, has a rich and diverse history dating back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux, who utilized the fertile land for hunting and gathering. In the early 1800s, European fur traders and explorers began to make their way through the region, establishing trading posts and introducing new technologies and cultural influences.

The first permanent European settlement in the area now known as Bon Homme County was established in 1818 by French Canadian fur trader Charles Grignon. The settlement, called Bon Homme, grew quickly with the addition of other trappers, traders, and settlers. In 1859, Bon Homme became the first county in Dakota Territory, and Dakota City (now Tyndall) was designated as the county seat.

During the mid- to late-1800s, Bon Homme County experienced significant population growth and economic development. Immigrants from various European countries, such as Germany, Bohemia, and Norway, arrived in the area and established farms and ranches. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the local economy, with wheat, corn, and livestock production being the main sources of income for most residents.

Bon Homme County has also played a significant role in the history of education in South Dakota. The first public school in the territory was established in Tyndall in 1872, and the county boasts many historic one-room schoolhouses that were once scattered throughout the rural areas. Today, Bon Homme County is a thriving and close-knit community that honors its rich heritage while embracing modern developments and opportunities for growth.

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

  • 1862 - The Homestead Act passes, encouraging settlement in the area that would become Bon Homme County
  • 1864 - Bon Homme County is officially established
  • 1869 - The first post office is established in the county
  • 1872 - The first courthouse is built in Tyndall, the county seat
  • 1891 - Passenger trains begin running through Bon Homme County, boosting transportation and commerce
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardships in the county
  • 1940s-1950s - World War II and post-war era bring changes and advancements to the county
  • 2000 - The county's population reaches its highest point at over 7,000 residents
  • 2010 - Flooding in the area causes significant damage to homes and infrastructure