Fall River County, South Dakota
Bartlett-Myers Building
Battle Mountain Sanitarium, National Home For Disabled Volunteer Soldiers
Chilson Bridge
Colgan, Arthur and Ellen, House
Hot Springs High School
Hot Springs Historic District
Jensen, Governor Leslie, House
Log Cabin Tourist Camp
Petty House
St. Martin's Catholic Church and Grotto
State Soldiers Home Barn
Wesch, Phillip, House
An Old Jail - 1888
Battle Mountain
Battle the Blaze
Camp Collier
Cheyenne River Crossing
Edgemont: Where the Trail Begins
Fall River Falls
Fire on the Edge
Hot Springs, SD
John Stevenson Robertson: Pioneer Horticulturalist
Leslie Jensen Scenic Drive
Leslie Jensen Scenic Drive
MAFFS 7
Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD
Oelrichs
Paha Sapa Limestone
Sandstone Architecture of Hot Springs, SD
Siding 7
Teddy Roosevelts's Visit to Edgemont
The CCC's Enduring Legacy
Wood Stage Station
The first European settlers arrived in the early 1870s, attracted by the discovery of gold in the Black Hills. Some settlers established mining camps in the county, hoping to strike it rich. However, the gold rush soon subsided, and many miners turned to agriculture and ranching to make a living. Ranching became an important industry in Fall River County, with cattle grazing on the vast grasslands.
In 1883, the county was officially organized and named after the Fall River, which runs through the region. The construction of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the late 19th century brought further growth and development to the area. Small towns sprung up along the railroad, providing services and goods to the residents of Fall River County.
Over the years, the county has faced challenges, including the devastating forest fires that swept through the area in the early 20th century. However, Fall River County has persevered and continues to thrive today. Its economy is diverse, with tourism, agriculture, and ranching being important contributors. The county boasts natural attractions such as Wind Cave National Park and the Hot Springs, which draw visitors from near and far. With its rich history and natural beauty, Fall River County remains a unique and vibrant part of South Dakota.
Brief timeline of the history of Fall River County, South Dakota:
- 1875 - Fall River County is established.
- 1876 - The town of Hot Springs is founded.
- 1880 - The first newspaper, "Hot Springs Star," is published.
- 1890 - The Fall River County Courthouse is built.
- 1919 - The Evans Plunge swimming pool opens in Hot Springs.
- 1930 - Wind Cave National Park is established.
- 1951 - Angostura Reservoir is created.
- 1977 - The Mammoth Site is discovered.
- 2001 - Fall River Health Services opens a new hospital in Hot Springs.
- 2010 - The population of Fall River County is 7,094.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fall River County, South Dakota.