National Register Listings in
Yankton County, South Dakota

Aggergaard Manor Banton, Dr. B. M., House Bishop Marty Rectory Brockmueller Barn Bruce-Donaldson House Burns House Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Depot DeJong House Doyle, Harold A. (H. A.), House Ellerman, Arthur C., House ES Volin Farmstead Excelsior Flour Mill Fantle, William J., House Gordon House Gorsett Farmstead Gunderson, Endre B., Farmstead Gurney, Charles, Hotel Gustad, Bernt, House Henjna Farmstead Hoffman House House of Gurney Historic District Hoxeng Farmstead Human Services Center Ingebrigtsen-Hinseth Farmstead Jencks Farmstead Kietzman Farmstead Kremer House Larson-Simonson House Lasele, Mathias, House Machacek Homestead Marindahl Post Office Marindahl Township Hall Martin's Evangelical Church McGregor, Walker, Farmstead Merk, Nels, Farmstead Merkwan, Mathias, Rubblestone Barn Mueller Homestead New Hope Farm Polygonal Barn New Hope Farm Swine Barn Ohlman-Shannon House Old Catholic Church Olson, Lewis, Log House Our Savior's Lutheran Church Pechan, Frantisek, Log House Pennington, Governor John L., House Peterson, Mathias, Homestead Pine Street Bridge Ripple House Schaffer Farmstead Schnauber, Fred, House Scottish Rite Masonic Temple Simonson Farmstead Sloan, John, Homestead Smith, Jessie, Farmstead St. Agnes Church Stribral Homestead and Farmstead Svatos, Frank, Rubblestone Barn Trierweiler, Dr. John, House United Church of Christ Utica Depot Utica Fire and City Hall Utica Public School Van Osdel House Vangen Church Volin School Volin Town Hall Volin, Louis, House Walloch Farmstead Walshtown School Western Portland Cement Plant Yankton Carnegie Library Yankton College Conservatory Yankton College Historic District Yankton High School Historic District Yankton Historic Commercial District Yankton Historic District Zion Lutheran Church
The Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, is home to one of the world's richest fossil beds, containing the remains of ancient horses, rhinoceroses, and other prehistoric animals.
South Dakota random facts
Yankton County, located in the southeastern part of South Dakota, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by Indigenous cultures, such as the Yankton Sioux tribe, who hunted and fished along the Missouri River. European exploration of the area began in the late 17th century, with French traders and fur trappers establishing contact with Native American tribes.

In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase brought the region under the control of the United States, and the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through what is now Yankton County in 1804. This led to increased American presence in the area, and in 1859, Yankton was officially designated as the capital of the Dakota Territory. The County was established in 1862, during the early stages of the American Civil War.

Yankton County played a significant role in the development of the Dakotas. It served as the territorial capital until 1889 when South Dakota became a state. The county saw rapid growth during this time, with the construction of railroads and the establishment of businesses. Agriculture, including farming and livestock, formed the backbone of the local economy, and Yankton became a major center for trade and commerce.

Over the years, Yankton County has faced various challenges and changes. The decline of the agricultural sector in the early 20th century led to a shift towards other industries like manufacturing and healthcare. Today, the county continues to thrive as a vibrant community, with a strong emphasis on education, tourism, and outdoor recreational activities. Overall, the history of Yankton County reflects the dynamic nature of American expansion and the resilience of its inhabitants.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Yankton County, South Dakota.

  • 1800 - The Yankton Sioux Tribe is the initial inhabitant of the area now known as Yankton County.
  • 1804 - The Lewis and Clark expedition visit the area and establish diplomatic relations with the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
  • 1859 - The first temporary white settlement is established in what is now Yankton County.
  • 1861 - Yankton County is officially organized and named after the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
  • 1868 - The signing of the Treaty of Fort Laramie guarantees the reservation lands of the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
  • 1870 - Yankton becomes the capital of Dakota Territory.
  • 1882 - The construction of the first railroad line into Yankton County.
  • 1889 - South Dakota becomes a state, with Yankton County as one of its original counties.
  • 1920 - Yankton College is founded, becoming an important educational institution in the county.
  • 1954 - The construction of the Gavins Point Dam and Lewis and Clark Lake begins, providing recreational and economic benefits to Yankton County.
  • 1974 - The creation of the Yankton Sioux Reservation through land consolidation efforts.