National Register Listing

Old Riverside Hutterite Colony

a.k.a. Huron Hutterite Colony

Off James River, Huron, SD
When Huron Colony abandoned this site in 1918, they occupied this colony for 12 years. A daughter of Bon Honme, the old colony has three surviving structures, all landmarks. In 1949 Riverside Colony resettled this land. Riverside is a great grand daughter of Bon Honme.

The colony is located atop the western banks of the James River. Laid out on a north-south axis, the long houses form an inner square, while the school, residences and shops form an outer tier. The square-shaped residential core has only pedestrian traffic. On the northeast section of the square, the three historic structures are clustered in their own imperfect square. Outbuildings are located across the vehicle path, parallel to, but apart from, the domestic structures.
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development; Exploration/settlement; Architecture; Religion; Philosophy

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

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
Beadle County, South Dakota, was established on January 8, 1879, and named in honor of William H. Beadle, a Dakota Territory legislator. The region that would become Beadle County was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sioux. The area saw significant change with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century, as they established homesteads and agriculture became the mainstay of the economy.

The county's first town, Huron, was founded in 1880 and quickly became the county seat. Railroads played a crucial role in the growth of Beadle County, connecting it to other major cities and allowing for increased transportation of goods and people. The completion of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway in 1880 helped further establish Huron as an agricultural hub.

During its early years, Beadle County experienced rapid population growth and economic prosperity, driven primarily by agriculture and the railroad industry. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate made it well-suited for farming, and crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans became the backbone of the local economy. The influx of settlers and investment in infrastructure led to the establishment of numerous small towns and schools throughout the county.

Over the years, Beadle County has faced challenges, including droughts, economic recessions, and the decline of small family farms. However, the county has also adapted and diversified its economy. Today, Beadle County is home to a variety of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. With its rich history and ongoing development, Beadle County continues to be an important part of South Dakota's growth and prosperity.

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

  • 1879 - Beadle County is established, named after William Henry Harrison Beadle.
  • 1880 - Huron, the county seat of Beadle County, is founded.
  • 1882 - The Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway reaches Huron, leading to increased settlement and economic growth.
  • 1883 - The first courthouse is built in Huron.
  • 1887 - The Agricultural College of South Dakota (now South Dakota State University) is established in Brookings, just north of Beadle County.
  • 1893 - The Huron University is established, providing higher education opportunities to the region.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to significant economic challenges for Beadle County, as agriculture and industry are severely impacted.
  • 1953 - The South Dakota State Fair relocates to Huron, boosting the local economy and attracting visitors from across the state.
  • 1974 - The Huron Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places, preserving the city's unique architectural heritage.
  • 1997 - The Huron Event Center opens, providing a modern venue for conventions, conferences, and cultural events in Beadle County.
  • 2010 - Beadle County celebrates its 131st anniversary since its establishment.