National Register Listing

Moody County Courthouse

Pipestone Ave. between Crescent and Wind Sts., Flandreau, SD
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

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.

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Audiobooks about the history of South Dakota.
The Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, is home to one of the world's richest fossil beds, containing the remains of ancient horses, rhinoceroses, and other prehistoric animals.
South Dakota random facts
Moody County, South Dakota has a rich and diverse history that spans back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Yankton Sioux. Exploration and settlement by European Americans began in the mid-1800s, leading to the establishment of Moody County in 1873.

The county was named in honor of Gideon C. Moody, who was a prominent pioneer and territorial legislator in the region. The early years of settlement were primarily focused on agriculture, with farming and livestock becoming the main economic activities. The fertile soil and favorable climate in Moody County attracted many settlers, and the population grew steadily.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Moody County experienced a boom in population and development. Towns such as Flandreau, which became the county seat in 1880, saw significant growth and became important centers for trade, commerce, and social activities. The arrival of the railroad in Flandreau in the 1880s further facilitated economic growth and connected the county to wider markets.

Throughout its history, Moody County has faced challenges such as natural disasters and economic fluctuations, but the community has remained resilient and adapted to changing circumstances. Today, Moody County continues to be largely agrarian, with agriculture remaining a significant part of the local economy. The county also offers various recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities, thanks to its beautiful landscapes and proximity to lakes and rivers.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Moody County, South Dakota.

  • 1862 - The Dakota Territory, including Moody County, is established
  • 1873 - Moody County is created and named after G.M. Moody, a well-known territorial pioneer
  • 1879 - The city of Flandreau is incorporated
  • 1880 - The first courthouse is built in Flandreau
  • 1880s - The rail line is extended to Flandreau, boosting the local economy
  • 1898 - The first automobile arrives in Moody County
  • 1912 - A large tornado causes extensive damage in Flandreau
  • 1920s - Moody County experiences an oil boom
  • 1950s - Flandreau Indian School becomes an important economic and cultural center
  • 1973 - The Moody County Museum is established in Flandreau
  • 2000 - The population of Moody County reaches its highest point at over 7,000 residents
  • 2010 - The population of Moody County declines slightly to around 6,500 residents