Deadwood in Lawrence County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Presidential District
— A Trail to Deadwood's Past —
In 1877 the gentle slopes of the hill became attractive to homeowners, who were being displaced by commercial growth on the flat land at the bottom of the gulch. By 1880 the cemetery had been moved further up the hill, clearing the way for new residential development. Within a few years the Ingleside neighborhood had replaced Forest Hill as the most fashionable quarter in town. Seth Bullock, Harris Franklin, Ben Baer, John Treber, Henry Frawley, George Ayres, Freeman Knowles and Charles and Jonas Zoellner all lived in Ingleside area, which was marked by large Queen Anne-style homes.
In time Ingleside became known as the Presidential District, since the neighborhood's streets were all named for all of the Presidents of the United States from Washington to Lincoln, with two mysterious exceptions: Franklin Pierce and James K. Polk. At its peak, the Presidential District was home to the county jail and its own two-story school, although these were eventually demolished and replaced by homes. Following World War I, Upper Main supplanted the Presidential District as Deadwood's most stylish neighborhood.
After World War II, the Presidential area began to decline with the rest of Deadwood. Some of the largest homes — including the imposing Treber House — were claimed by fire, while others were converted into apartments and allowed to deteriorate. However, the legalization of limited stakes gaming in 1989 has helped revitalize the neighborhood. Most noticeably, gaming provided historic preservation funding for 22 Van Buren Street, which is now the public Adams House Museum. Many other private residences have been restored since the 1990s.
Erected by the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 44° 22.275′ N, 103° 43.63′ W. Marker is in Deadwood, South Dakota, in Lawrence County. Marker is at the intersection of Charles Street (U.S. 85) and Sherman Street, on the left when traveling north on Charles Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Deadwood SD 57732, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Franklin’s Fine Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Burlington Interurban Power Plant (about 500 feet away); Interurban Trolley (about 500 feet away); George S. Mickelson Trail (about 500 feet away); Radial Brick Smokestack (about 500 feet away); Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad Yard (about 500 feet away); The Resilient Whitewood Creek (about 500 feet away); The Smokestack - Reconstructed (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deadwood.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,037 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on October 5, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 20, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.