Piper, Albert S., Homestead Claim Shanty
a.k.a. Homestead Claim Shanty
2 mi. N of Lake Byron, Carpenter, SDThe Albert S. Piper Homestead Claim Shanty is historically and architecturally significant in the areas of settlement and architecture, because it is an example of the initial settlement of homesteaders in central Beadle County, South Dakota, and the claim shanty is a good example of a wood frame shanty. Founded in 1882, the homestead claim shanty was the home of Albert S. Piper until 1892, when he constructed a new house. However, throughout several generations, the family has retained the claim shanty in its original location.
Local significance of the building:
Exploration/settlement; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
About National Register Listings
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.
South Dakota is the only state in the U.S. that has never had an earthquake.
About Beadle County
Beadle County Timeline
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.
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.
Beadle County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.