Watertown in Codington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Minneapolis and St. Louis Depot
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, November 19, 2020
1. Minneapolis and St. Louis Depot Marker
Placed on the
National Register
Of Historic Places
By the United States
Department of the Interior
Erected by United States Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list.
Location. 44° 54.19′ N, 97° 6.763′ W. Marker is in Watertown, South Dakota, in Codington County. It is on North Broadway Street 0.1 miles north of 1st Avenue North West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 168 North Broadway Street, Watertown SD 57201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: Rail & Industrial Center (a few steps from this marker); Old M. & St. L. Depot Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Watertown Police Department (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peacock Hotel (about 700 feet away); Retail Building (about 700 feet away); Commercial Building (about 700 feet away); John M. Mahowald Harness Store (about 700 feet away); AOUW Building (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Watertown.
Also see . . .
this page online
Statement of Significance:(Submitted on January 2, 2025.)
"[Watertown] was platted on October 7, 1878. The first depot constructed was located across from the current depot. However, the building became too small and was torn down for a diesel house. The Minneapolis and St. Louis Depot replaced the original structure in 1911. It was built for $50,000 as a joint venture of the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific, and the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad companies. A.T. Hawks was hired as the architect and J.B. Berry served as engineer. In 1960, the line was sold to Chicago and North Western until they abandoned it. In 1985, the old depot was purchased by the Codington County Historical Society, Inc., for use as a railroad museum.
The old Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad depot was one of the best in Watertown. It was tremendously important to the transportation needs of the community because it brought huge quantities of goods and large numbers of people to the community. It also provided a means of exporting farm products. This particular depot saw large numbers of people during the Last Dakota Boom when the area west of the Missouri was settled. Large numbers of troops also passed through its doors duringWorld Wars I and II.Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, November 19, 20202. Minneapolis and St. Louis Depot Marker
The depot today retains its original 1911 appearance. Its brickwork is intact as well as its high pitched slate gable roof. Some of the original wood furniture also remains. As one of only two remaining railroad depots in the City, the building today is a visual reminder of Watertown's important rail lines."
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, November 19, 2020
3. Minneapolis and St. Louis Depot
Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 1, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
