Bon Homme County, South Dakota
Bon Homme County Courthouse
Bon Homme Hutterite Colony
Campbell, Gen. Charles T., House
Carnegie Public Library of Tyndall
Frydrych, John, Farmstead
Greenfield, Dr. John C., House
Hakl, John, Chalkrock House
Herman, Joseph, Chalkrock House
Herman, Joseph, Log Stable
Herman, Joseph, Rubblestone Barn
Honner, Martin, Chalkrock House
Koobs House
Main Hall
Merkwan, John and Kate, Log and Rubblestone House
Merkwan, John and Kate, Rubblestone House-Barn
Merkwan, John, Jr., Rubblestone House
Methodist Episcopal Church
Metzgers, William, New Emporium
Monfore, Peter and Minnie, House
Noll, Joseph, Chalkrock Barn
Old St. Wenceslaus Catholic Parish House
Perkins Congregational Church
Scotland Main Street Historic District
Scotland Residential Historic District
Scotland Royal Theater
Sedlacek, Jacob, Chalkrock House
South Dakota Dept. of Transportation Bridge No. 05-028-200
South Dakota Dept. of Transportation Bridge No. 05-032-170
South Dakota Dept. of Transportation Bridge No. 05-138-080
South Dakota Dept. of Transportation Bridge No. 05-255-130
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and Parish House
Tabor School
Teibel-Sykora Rubblestone Barn
Thompson House
Travnicek, John, Chalkrock House
Wagner, Joseph V., House
Walker, Albion, Chalkrock House
ZCBJ Hall
The first permanent European settlement in the area now known as Bon Homme County was established in 1818 by French Canadian fur trader Charles Grignon. The settlement, called Bon Homme, grew quickly with the addition of other trappers, traders, and settlers. In 1859, Bon Homme became the first county in Dakota Territory, and Dakota City (now Tyndall) was designated as the county seat.
During the mid- to late-1800s, Bon Homme County experienced significant population growth and economic development. Immigrants from various European countries, such as Germany, Bohemia, and Norway, arrived in the area and established farms and ranches. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the local economy, with wheat, corn, and livestock production being the main sources of income for most residents.
Bon Homme County has also played a significant role in the history of education in South Dakota. The first public school in the territory was established in Tyndall in 1872, and the county boasts many historic one-room schoolhouses that were once scattered throughout the rural areas. Today, Bon Homme County is a thriving and close-knit community that honors its rich heritage while embracing modern developments and opportunities for growth.
Brief timeline of the history of Bon Homme County, South Dakota:
- 1862 - The Homestead Act passes, encouraging settlement in the area that would become Bon Homme County
- 1864 - Bon Homme County is officially established
- 1869 - The first post office is established in the county
- 1872 - The first courthouse is built in Tyndall, the county seat
- 1891 - Passenger trains begin running through Bon Homme County, boosting transportation and commerce
- 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardships in the county
- 1940s-1950s - World War II and post-war era bring changes and advancements to the county
- 2000 - The county's population reaches its highest point at over 7,000 residents
- 2010 - Flooding in the area causes significant damage to homes and infrastructure
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bon Homme County, South Dakota.