Brookings in Brookings County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Coughlin Campanile
Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, July 5, 2007
1. Coughlin Campanile Marker
A memorable landmark for South Dakota State University and the city of Brookings, the Coughlin Campanile is the states tallest chimes tower. It was built in 1929-30.
Described in the campus newspaper as the most striking structure in South Dakota, the Campanile was a $65,000 gift from 1909 alumnus Charles Coughlin.
An engineering graduate, Coughlin became a prominent Milwaukee manufacturer, serving as president treasurer and general manager of the Briggs & Stratton Corporation based in Wisconsin. A native of Carthage, S.D., Coughlin laid the Campanile cornerstone during the first outdoor commencement exercises held in Coolidge Sylvan Theatre on June 10, 1929.
The Campanile was registered as a significant landmark on the National Register of Historic Places February 26, 1987. The use of classical motifs and devices suggest some beaux arts classicism influence.
Centennial Walk
South Dakota State University
Established 1881
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
Location. 44° 18.936′ N, 96° 47.285′ W. Marker is in Brookings,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in East River. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: College Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Paul Zantow Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Medal of Honor Park (approx. Ό mile away); Heart of Brookings (approx. 0.6 miles away); Brookings County South Dakota Veterans Memorial (approx.
Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, July 5, 2007
2. Coughlin Campanile
Also see . . . South Dakota SP Coughlin Campanile | National Archives Catalog. National Register of Historic Places InventoryNomination Form for the Coughlin Campanile (1987). (Submitted on December 23, 2025.)
Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, July 5, 2007
3. Coughlin Campanile with Marker in Front
November 16, 2025
4. Coughlin Campanile and Marker
November 16, 2025
5. Coughlin Campanile Cornerstone
November 16, 2025
6. Coughlin Campanile East Tablet
Louisiana Territory Purchased April 30, 1803
November 16, 2025
7. Coughlin Campanile South Tablet
Land Grant Colleges Authorized July 2, 1862
November 16, 2025
8. Coughlin Campanile West Tablet
South Dakota State College Founded February 21, 1881
November 16, 2025
9. Coughlin Campanile North Tablet
State of South Dakota Admitted November 2, 1889
Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2020, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 424 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 4, 2020, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota. 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 23, 2025. 7, 8, 9. submitted on January 6, 2026.
