Downtown in Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Dakota Land Company
October 23, 2021
1. The Dakota Land Company Marker
Inscription.
The Dakota Land Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, arrived in Sioux falls in June of 1857 as part of a "town-planting party" which was progressing from Medary (near Brookings, SD) to Commerce City (Canton) along the Big Sioux River. Because the prime townsite at the falls was already claimed by the Western Townsite Company, a claim of 320 acres was made between 9th and 15th streets and Minnesota Avenue and Third Avenue, the current downtown area. This settlement was named "Sioux Falls City." A quartzite building was erected on the west bank at the river crossing and housed The Dakota Democrat, the first newspaper in Dakota Territory.
The Dakota Land Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, arrived in Sioux falls in June of 1857 as part of a "town-planting party" which was progressing from Medary (near Brookings, SD) to Commerce City (Canton) along the Big Sioux River. Because the prime townsite at the falls was already claimed by the Western Townsite Company, a claim of 320 acres was made between 9th and 15th streets and Minnesota Avenue and Third Avenue, the current downtown area. This settlement was named "Sioux Falls City." A quartzite building was erected on the west bank at the river crossing and housed The Dakota Democrat, the first newspaper in Dakota Territory.
Erected by National Park Service through the State Preservation Office.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1857.
Location. 43° 32.829′ N, 96° 43.491′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on River Road, 0.1 miles north of East 10th Street (State Highway 42), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. The Dakota Land Company Marker (second from the left)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2021. This page has been viewed 280 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 28, 2021. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
