Grant County, South Dakota
Big Stone City Hall
Brown Earth Presbyterian Church
First Congregational Church of Milbank
First National Bank of Milbank
First State Bank Building
Freiwald, Herman, Barn
Gold, James A. and Ida Bell, House
Grant County Courthouse
Hollands Grist Mill
Johnson, Emil and Hannah, House
Koch, George and Mary, Farm
Lebanon Lutheran Church
Milbank Carnegie Library
Nelson, Ole, Barn
Swedish Lutheran Church of Strandburg
In the 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area. The first permanent settlement was established in 1878, and the town of Milbank was founded soon after in 1880. The town was named after its founder, Jacob J. Milbank, who played a crucial role in the development of the area. Milbank quickly became a center of commerce and agriculture, with the railroad arriving in 1881 further boosting its growth.
Agriculture has always played a vital role in Grant County's economy. The land and climate proved to be well-suited for farming, leading to an increase in population and the expansion of agricultural activities. Wheat, corn, and soybeans became the main crops cultivated in the area, and farming remained a dominant industry throughout the 20th century.
In recent years, Grant County has faced challenges, such as the decline in the number of family farms and depopulation trends seen in many rural areas. However, the community has been resilient and has adapted to changing times. Today, Grant County remains a vibrant community with a strong agricultural heritage, and efforts are being made to diversify the local economy through tourism and other industries.
Brief timeline of the history of Grant County, South Dakota:
- 1873 - Grant County is established.
- Late 19th century - Settlements begin to form in the county.
- 1880 - Milbank, the largest city in the county, is incorporated.
- Early 20th century - Agriculture becomes the main economic activity in the county.
- 1929 - The Great Depression causes economic hardship in Grant County.
- 1936 - The Civilian Conservation Corps establishes a camp in the county.
- 1950s - Power lines and rural electrification projects are implemented.
- 1962 - A large tornado strikes the county, causing significant damage.
- 1973 - Grant County celebrates its centennial anniversary.
- Late 20th century - The county experiences population decline due to changing agricultural practices.
- 2007 - The Wind Energy Conversion System ordinance is passed to regulate wind farm development.
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Grant County, South Dakota.