Downtown in Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The First School House

1873

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 21, 2016

1. The First School House 1873 Marker

Inscription.
Near this site was erected the first school house in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

This tablet placed by Mary Chilton Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution 1929

Erected 1929 by Mary Chilton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 43° 32.603′ N, 96° 43.709′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Avenue and West 12th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Avenue. Marker is located near the sidewalk, in a small triangular plaza on the southwest corner of the intersection, on the north edge of a parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 South Main Avenue, Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Official Olympic Flagpole (here, next to this marker); Washington High School (a few steps from this marker); Eliza Tupper Wilkes (within shouting distance of this marker); Nils A. Boe (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct

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line); Lt. Jonas Lien (about 400 feet away); Calvary Cathedral (about 400 feet away); First Lutheran Church (about 400 feet away); Sculptor H. Daniel Webster (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

Also see . . . Public Schools of Sioux Falls. The first official action having for its object the establishment of public schools in Sioux Falls, was in 1871, when the County Superintendent, John Bippus, designated the boundaries of School District No. 1. Nothing further was done until April 14th, 1873, when County Superintendent A. Thome issued a notice for the first school meeting in the District. Although Sioux Falls was then dignified with a school organization, its officers were powerless to act, as the district had neither school house apparatus or funds wherewith to pay teachers. To overcome these difficulties, a special meeting of the voters of the District was called for the 12th of May, at which time a tax on the property in the District, of one per cent, was voted to be expended in building a school house, and a further tax of one-fourth of one per cent, was voted to be used in the purchase of school furniture. On the 15th day of September, 1873, the

The First School House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 21, 2016

2. The First School House Marker

first public school of Sioux Falls was opened in the Libbey building (now a part of the Commercial Hotel), on Main street, with Miss Clara Ledyard as teacher. They also entered into a contract with Edwin Sharpe for the erection of a building for school purposes, 32x40 feet, with twelve-foot ceiling, for $935.00. (Submitted on October 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. The First School House Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 384 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.