National Register Listing

Walla Lutheran Church

46532 105th St., New Effington, SD
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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.

architecture Lutheran denomination churches religion
The Black Hills of South Dakota are considered sacred by many Native American tribes, and were the subject of a long-standing land dispute between the U.S. government and the Sioux Nation.
South Dakota random facts
Roberts County, South Dakota is located in the northeastern part of the state, near North Dakota. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, primarily members of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe. In the 1860s, European settlers began moving into the region, prompted by the prospect of available farmland and the construction of the railroad in the nearby area.

The county was officially organized in 1883 and named after S.G. Roberts, a prominent politician in the Dakota Territory. The town of Sisseton was established as the county seat. In the early years, agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy, with settlers primarily engaging in farming and cattle raising.

Over time, the county experienced growth and development. The completion of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad in 1914 further boosted the local economy by improving transportation routes and connecting the area to larger markets. The county's population grew steadily during the early 20th century, with towns such as Summit and New Effington emerging as centers of commerce.

Like many rural areas in the United States, Roberts County faced challenges during the Great Depression and subsequent years. However, the county's agriculture-based economy remained resilient, and efforts to diversify the local economy eventually gained traction. Today, Roberts County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including several lakes and wildlife refuges, and it continues to be a vibrant agricultural community with a rich history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Roberts County, South Dakota.

  • 1862: Roberts County established.
  • 1878: First post office opened in Roberts County.
  • 1880: First courthouse built in Roberts County.
  • 1898: State Bank of Roberts County founded in Sisseton.
  • 1919: Dakota State Normal School, later known as Northern State Teachers College, opened in Sisseton.
  • 1925: Lake Traverse Indian Reservation established in Roberts County.
  • 1954: Agency Village incorporated as a town in Roberts County.
  • 1972: Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribal government headquarters established in Roberts County.
  • 1996: The Roberts County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.