National Register Listing

Gregory County Courthouse

221 East 8th St., Burke, SD
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2021.

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.

architecture politics government law courthouses buildings
Audiobooks about the history of South Dakota.
South Dakota was the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, a tragic event in which over 150 unarmed Native American men, women, and children were killed by U.S. troops in 1890. Today, the site is a National Historic Landmark.
South Dakota random facts
Gregory County, located in the southeastern corner of South Dakota, has a rich and fascinating history. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Yankton Sioux. However, European settlers began arriving in the mid-1800s, attracted by the fertile land and the promise of economic opportunities.

In 1859, Dr. John Anderson Gregory, a prominent physician from Ohio, led an expedition to the area and established a settlement along the Missouri River. The settlement was named "Gregoryville" in his honor. Over time, more settlers arrived and the town grew, eventually becoming the county seat of Gregory County when it was officially organized in 1862.

Like many communities on the frontier, Gregory County faced its fair share of challenges. The region endured harsh weather conditions, including devastating blizzards and droughts. Despite these hardships, settlers persevered and established prosperous agricultural operations, primarily focused on cattle and grain production.

In the early 20th century, the construction of railroads further boosted the county's economy. The arrival of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad and the Chicago and North Western Railway provided new avenues for trade and transportation, facilitating the growth of Gregory County's farming and ranching industries.

Today, Gregory County continues to thrive as an agricultural community. Its picturesque landscapes, including the stunning Missouri River valley, attract visitors who enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. The county also celebrates its history through various events and festivals, providing a glimpse into its frontier past and the resilient spirit of its early settlers.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Gregory County, South Dakota.

  • 1859 - Gregory County, South Dakota is first settled by European Americans
  • 1873 - The town of Dallas is established in the county
  • 1882 - The county is officially organized and named after Edmund Burke Gregory, a Dakota Territory judge
  • 1891 - The town of Gregory is incorporated as the county seat
  • 1940s - The county's economy is predominantly based on agriculture
  • 1960s-1970s - The county experiences a population decline due to changes in farming practices
  • 1989 - The county's first wind energy project, the Minn-Dakota Wind Power Project, is established
  • 1990s - The county's economy diversifies with the development of tourism, hunting, and fishing industries
  • 2002 - The county's largest wind farm, the Crow Lake Wind Farm, begins operation
  • 2010 - Gregory County's population starts to stabilize after decades of decline