Watertown in Codington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Mellette House
While the 1880's were good years for Dakota's farmers, by the end of the decade there was a period of severe drought. Mellette's greatest challenge as Governor was to help the destitute through the crisis. Since he was firmly committed to simplicity and economy in government, he raised funds to aid the drought-stricken through private benevolence, rather than through taxes. He operated an efficient government that met each challenge with courage, determination, and energy.
When Mellette left the governorship in 1893, he returned to his law practice in Watertown. After a short period of ill health, personal tragedy, and financial woes, the family moved to Pittsburgh, Kansas. Mellette died there, one year later, at the age of 54. Arthur, Margaret, and two of their four sons are buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Reverse Side
Arthur C. Mellette was the last Governor of Dakota Territory, having been appointed by President Benjamin Harrison in 1889. Although the capital was in Bismarck, the Mellettes maintained their home in Watertown.
Born and raised in Indiana, Mellette owned a newspaper and practiced law before moving to Dakota Territory in 1878, where he was appointed Registrar of the Land Office at Springfield. When the Land Office moved to Watertown in 1880, the Mellettes followed.
A territorial politician, Mellette was instrumental in bringing Dakota Territory to statehood, both through a regional campaign and through his influence with national leaders. He is remembered most for his honesty and integrity both in and out of public office. His credo was the Sermon on the Mount.
From an architectural standpoint, Mellette House is an Italianate villa which was built for Arthur and Margaret Mellette in 1883. Planned by the Mellettes and a German craftsman, the home was a showplace where many elegant gatherings were hosted during the frontier period. Its beautiful Victorian furnishings are examples of what was the most fashionable décor in the territory.
This building and site are listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Park Service, Department of the Interior.
Erected 1986 by the Codington County Historical Preservation Commission. (Marker Number 499.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 44° 54.427′ N, 97° 7.283′ W. Marker is in Watertown, South Dakota, in Codington County. Marker is at the intersection of 5th Avenue Northwest and Skyline Drive, on the right when traveling west on 5th Avenue Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 421 5th Ave NW, Watertown SD 57201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Home of Governor Arthur Calvin Mellette (within shouting distance of this marker); Arthur Calvin Mellette (within shouting distance of this marker); Mellette Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Minneapolis and St. Louis Depot (approx. half a mile away); Old M. & St. L. Depot Museum (approx. half a mile away); First National Bank (approx. 0.6 miles away); Wiser Block (approx. 0.6 miles away); Commercial Building (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Watertown.
Regarding Mellette House. The Mellette House is owned and operated by Mellette Memorial Association, Inc.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 180 times since then and 8 times this year. Last updated on September 15, 2021. Photos: 1. submitted on April 1, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 2. submitted on September 16, 2021. 3. submitted on April 1, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 4. submitted on September 15, 2021. 5, 6. submitted on April 1, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.