National Register Listing

Esmond Methodist Episcopal Church and Township Hall

Jct. of Center St. and Elm St., Esmond, SD
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

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.

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
Kingsbury County, South Dakota, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux, who relied on the region's fertile land and abundant wildlife for sustenance. European settlement began in the mid-19th century, with the arrival of fur traders and pioneers seeking new opportunities.

In 1873, Kingsbury County was officially established, named after George W. Kingsbury, the first Attorney General of the Dakota Territory. The county became an agricultural hub, with settlers cultivating crops and establishing prosperous farms. The town of De Smet quickly became a prominent center of commerce and government within Kingsbury County.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kingsbury County experienced several economic booms and setbacks. The arrival of the railroad in 1880 brought increased trade and prosperity to the region. However, the harsh winters and droughts of the 1920s and 1930s, combined with the Great Depression, posed significant challenges to the county's agricultural sector.

Despite these hardships, Kingsbury County persevered. In the decades that followed, advancements in technology and irrigation methods improved farming practices and allowed for increased productivity. Today, Kingsbury County remains a predominantly agricultural community, known for its large-scale farming operations and contributions to the state's economy.

Throughout its history, Kingsbury County has been shaped by the resilience and determination of its residents. From its early Native American inhabitants to the present-day farmers, the county's identity is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage and the tenacity of those who call it home.

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

  • 1862: The Homestead Act is passed, attracting settlers to the area that would become Kingsbury County.
  • 1873: Kingsbury County is officially established.
  • 1880s: Railroads are developed in the county, leading to increased agricultural activity.
  • 1884: The town of De Smet is founded.
  • 1890: The population of Kingsbury County reaches over 6,000.
  • 1920s: The county experiences a period of economic growth and prosperity.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression impacts the county, leading to economic challenges and a decline in population.
  • 1950s: Kingsbury County begins to recover and experience growth.
  • 1970s: The county's agricultural industry undergoes modernization and consolidation.
  • 1990s: The county continues to diversify its economy and attract new businesses.
  • 2000s: The county implements various initiatives to promote tourism and outdoor recreational activities.