“A Comprehensive History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota: Its Background, Her Pioneers, Their Record of Achievement and Development” by Charles A. Smith is an extensive and detailed chronicle of the county’s past, encapsulating its evolution from its earliest days. This work, published in 1958, spans 504 pages, elaborately documenting the county’s journey through various phases of development.
Smith’s intent in writing this history was to create an accessible and engaging resource for the community, particularly for students and educators. By organizing the book so that all essential information on a given topic is located under a single heading, he aimed to make it easy to find specific information without extensive searching. The book is also indexed by subject, enhancing its utility as a reference tool.
In compiling this history, Smith utilized a wide range of sources, including public records from the county courthouse, city hall, and public library, as well as newspaper archives. He also gathered information from individuals, ensuring that his narrative was substantiated by recorded history. This thorough research was made possible by the cooperation of various local institutions and individuals.
Smith’s dedication to accuracy is evident throughout the book, as he carefully cross-referenced records and statements to present a reliable account of events. He acknowledges the potential for minor errors, understanding that even among esteemed historians, differing viewpoints can lead to variations in the portrayal of events. Nevertheless, he strives for fairness and accuracy, offering a balanced perspective on the county’s history.
The book covers a wide range of topics, from the early settlement and development of townsites to the Indian Scares and the first newspaper in the area. It explores the origins of the county’s name, the establishment of legislative and judicial systems, and the challenges faced by early settlers, including climatic adversities and agricultural pursuits. Additionally, Smith delves into the social and cultural aspects of the county, such as county fairs, old settlers’ picnics, and the activities of the Minnehaha County Historical Society.
Particularly noteworthy are the chapters on the City of Sioux Falls, which provide a comprehensive overview of its growth, municipal enterprises, public buildings, and transportation systems. As well, for genealogists, the few biographies in chapter 13 of part 1. The book also highlights the contributions of various civic, fraternal, and welfare organizations, as well as the city’s role as a convention center.
Table of Contents
Part 1 — General County History
Chapter 1.—Minnehaha County. A part of Louisiana Purchase.
Chapter 2. —Townsites: Western Town Company, Dakota Land Company. Indian Scares. First Newspaper. Development. Legend of Pipestone Quarries.
Chapter 3.—”Squatter Sovreignty”.
Chapter 4. —Derivation of the name “Sioux”, Dacotah. Territory organized. First Proclamation of Governor Jayne. Military Post. Dakota Cavalry. Indian Troubles and Slaying of J. B. and William Amidon.
Chapter 5. —Legislature. Courts Established. Mail Route. Military Reservation. Barracks. First White Child. Covered Wagon Train. Liquor Licenses.
Chapter 6. —Early Transportation. Trails, Ferries. Bridges, Etc.
Chapter 7. —Climatic. Water Conservation. Flood Control. Blizzards. Storms. Flood of 1881. Drainage Ditches. “Rainmakers’’. Table of Temperatures and Precipitation.
Chapter 8. —Agriculture. Stock-raising. Quarrying. Uses of Native Jasper. Analysis of.
Chapter 9. —County Courthouse and Jail. Courts. County Farm. Penitentiary. School for the Deaf.
Chapter 10. —County Fairs. Horseracing.
Chapter 11. —Old Settlers’ Picnics. Seney Island. Minnehaha County Historical Society. Tri-State Marker and Others.
Chapter 12. —Indian Burial Mounds. Inka pah duta’s Band of Renegades.
Chapter 13. Biographical Sketches.
D. R. Bailey, George W. Burnside, C. A. Christopherson, T. T. Cochran, Lyman T. Dunning, C. M. Day, A. N. Graff, Bishop W. H. Hare, C. K. Howard, Fred Hurd, Henry C. Mundt, Joseph S. Nelson, John F. Norton, John Olson, R. F. Pettigrew, Josiah Locke Phillips, Hattie C. Phillips, Hiram William Ross, James T. Sanders, Edwin A. Sherman, Ellis O. Smith, Jacob Schaetzel, Jr., William VanEps, Mrs. Inez VanEps, Warner E. Willey, Even E. Young.
Chapter 14. —Counties of South Dakota and County Seats. Governors of Territory. Cities and Towns of Minnehaha County. Pioneer Women. Prairie Fires and Miscellaneous Items.
Part Two — City of Sioux Falls, p. 131
Chapter 1. —General Sketch. Village Incorporated. Evolution of Government. Feud in City Hall. Names of Mayors in their order. Aldermen. Population and Growth from 1920 to 1949.
Chapter 2. —Municipal Enterprises. Electric Light Plant, Water Works and Geological Survey. Paving. Changing names of and re-numbering streets.
Chapter 3. —Newspapers.
Chapter 4. —Hotels.
Chapter 5. —Transportation and Communicating Street Railways. Rapid Transit and Sioux Transit Companies. Interstate Bus Lines. Radio.
Chapter 6. —Public Buildings. Auditorium, City Hall, Coliseum. Airports and Bases. Library. Armory. Business Structures. Post office and Photos.
Chapter 7. —Banks.
Chapter 8. —Commerce and Industry. City Transportation. N. S. Power and Light Co. Quarries. Packing Industries. Biscuit Manufacture. Wholesalers, etc.
Chapter 9. —Public Schools. Colleges. School for Girls.
Chapter 10. —Churches. “The Old Family Bible’”(Photo). The Various Churches and Church Directory. Red Cross. Y. M. C. A., Y. W. C. A., Boy Scouts. Girl Scouts. Volunteers of America and Maude Booth Nursery. Salvation Army. Childrens’ Homes, etc.
Chapter 11. —Hospitals and Medical Research: Sioux Valley, McKennan, Veterans’. Crippled Childrens’ Hospital and School. Keeley Institute. Medical Clinic. Minnehaha Medical Society. Funeral Homes.
Chapter 12. —Military Organizations of Dakota. Roster of Co. A Dakota Cavalry. Spanish-American War. First and Second World Wars. Victory over Germany and Japan. Passing of President Roosevelt.
Chapter 13. —Patriotic and Service Organizations. Flag Raising on Mt. Suribachi over Iwo Jima.
Chapter 14. —Civic, Fraternal and Welfare Societies.
Chapter 15. —Theatres.
Chapter 16.—Parks. Playgrounds. Swimming Pools, Etc.
Chapter 17. —Bands and Choruses.
Chapter 18. —Sioux Falls, Convention City. Constitutional of 1883, 1885, 1889. Populist and Sundry.
Chapter 19. —Sioux Falls’ “Divorce Colony”. An “Early Day” Divorce. Woman Suffrage Campaign and Victory.
Chapter 20. —Sports: Baseball, Football. The “Knot Hole Club” and Howard Wood Field.
Chapter 21.—Miscellaneous and Cemeteries. Notes of Interest.
Part 1 — Township Section, p. 387
Source
Smith, Charles A., A comprehensive history of Minnehaha County, South Dakota : its background, her pioneers, their record of achievement and development, Mitchell, S.D. : Educator Supply Co., 1949.