National Register Listing

Jensen, Governor Leslie, House

a.k.a. The Jensen House;Christian Jensen House

309 S. Fifth St., Hot Spring, SD
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

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.

politics government architecture houses residential buildings
South Dakota was originally part of the Dakota Territory, which also included present-day North Dakota, and parts of Montana and Wyoming.
South Dakota random facts
Fall River County is located in the southwestern corner of South Dakota and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne, Lakota Sioux, and Arapaho. These tribes relied on the natural resources of the region, such as water from the rivers and minerals from the Black Hills, to sustain their way of life.

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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.