National Register Listing

Emmanuel Lutheran Church and Cemetery

CR 858, Ralph, SD
Local significance of the building:
Exploration/settlement; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

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.

gravesites
The famous Wild West outlaw, Calamity Jane, lived and worked in South Dakota for a time. She even claimed to have saved the life of legendary gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok in the town of Deadwood.
South Dakota random facts
Harding County, South Dakota has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne, Sioux, and Crow. These tribes relied on the land and its resources for their way of life and were eventually displaced as European settlers arrived.

In 1876, gold was discovered in the Black Hills, leading to a rush of miners into the area. This attracted settlers to Harding County, who arrived seeking opportunities in mining, farming, and ranching. The county was officially established on November 3, 1883, and named after J.A. Harding, a South Dakota legislator.

During the early years, the county experienced rapid growth as more settlers arrived. Towns like Buffalo and Camp Crook were founded to support the booming mining industry. However, as the gold rush faded, many miners moved on, leaving behind a struggling economy in Harding County.

In the 20th century, agriculture became the primary industry in the area. The fertile land provided opportunities for farming and ranching, which remain vital to the county's economy to this day. The rural nature of the county has been preserved, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and the protection of natural resources.

Overall, Harding County, SD has experienced a diverse history characterized by the gold rush, the growth of farming and ranching, and the preservation of its rural nature. Today, the county prides itself on its strong community spirit and its commitment to preserving its rich history for future generations.

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

  • 1803 - The area that would become Harding County is included in the Louisiana Purchase.
  • 1868 - The Fort Laramie Treaty between the US government and the Lakota Sioux tribe establishes the boundaries of Lakota territory, which includes present-day Harding County.
  • 1876 - Gold is discovered in the Black Hills, leading to increased settlement in the area.
  • 1881 - Harding County is established as a county in Dakota Territory.
  • 1890 - Harding County becomes part of the newly-formed state of South Dakota.
  • 1910 - The Harding County Courthouse is built in Buffalo, the county seat.
  • 1950s - The construction of the Shadehill Dam and Reservoir provides a reliable water supply for the region.
  • 2010 - Harding County's population reaches its peak at around 1,320 residents.