Trinity Episcopal Church
3rd Ave. E. and 3rd St. N., Groton, SD Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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.
In 1879, Brown County was officially established and named after Alfred Brown, a prominent territorial legislator. The county seat was initially located in Columbia, but in 1880, it was moved to Aberdeen, which eventually became the largest city in the county. The railroad reached Aberdeen in the late 1880s, further contributing to the growth and development of the area.
The early years of Brown County were marked by agricultural expansion, as farmers settled in the region and began cultivating the fertile land. Wheat, corn, and livestock farming became the backbone of the local economy. The establishment of the first creamery in Aberdeen in 1885 also marked a significant development in the agricultural sector.
Over the years, Brown County continued to grow and diversify its economy. In the early 1900s, the county became a hub for manufacturing and industry, with companies like Aberdeen American News and Hub City Iron Works contributing to its economic prosperity. Today, Brown County remains a vibrant community with a strong agricultural sector, a thriving manufacturing industry, and a rich cultural heritage, attracting visitors from near and far.
Brown County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Brown County, South Dakota.
- 1879: Brown County was established by the Dakota Territory Legislature.
- 1880: Aberdeen, the county seat, was settled.
- 1881: The Milwaukee Railroad reached Aberdeen, boosting the city's growth.
- 1882: The town of Columbia was established.
- 1883: The town of Bath was established.
- 1885: Warner was settled.
- 1887: The town of Frederick was established.
- 1889: South Dakota became a state.
- 1890: The population of Brown County reached over 14,000.
- 1917: The Brown County Courthouse was constructed in Aberdeen.
- 1996: The Northern State University Barnett Center was built in Aberdeen.
- 2016: The Aberdeen Regional Airport completed a major expansion project.