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

Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917)

McKennan Park Historic District

November 22, 2021

1. Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) Marker

Inscription. Melvin Grigsby enlisted in the Union Army at the age of 16. Captured by the Confederates, he was confined in four different prisons, including the infamous Andersonville prison. After escaping in 1865, he joined Gen. W. T. Sherman's army. Later he wrote Smoked Yank, a book about his wartime experiences.

Grigsby arrived in Sioux Falls in 1872 from Wisconsin. He practiced law with R. F. Pettigrew and engaged in real estate and banking. He served in the Territorial Council, was a delegate to the 1889 State Constitutional Convention, and was elected attorney general on the Populist ticket in 1896.

In the 1898 war with Spain, he initiated congressional authorization for three volunteer cowboy cavalry regiments. Colonel Grigsby commanded the 3rd Regiment, known as "Grigsby's Cowboys," but it was never sent to Cuba.

Grigsby built his home on Boulevard Street at the northwest corner of this park hoping to "boom" a housing development. His life reflected the expansive optimism and cavalier spirit of his time.

Erected 2000 by the Sioux Falls Board of Preservation and the Minnehaha County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, Spanish-American • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.

Location. 43° 31.976′ N, 96° 43.4′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is on South 2nd Avenue ¼ mile north of East 26th Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in the northwest portion of McKennan Park, southwest of the basketball half court. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 E 26th St, Sioux Falls SD 57105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the

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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 Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Helen McKennan Home (a few steps from this marker); The Sunken Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Pillars of the Nation (within shouting distance of this marker); The Miniature Village (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lady Liberty (about 300 feet away); A Park Born in Controversy / McKennan Park Zoo (about 400 feet away); McKennan Park World War I Memorial (about 400 feet away); The Tennis Courts (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

Regarding Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917). Boulevard Street is the historic name for East 21st Street, between South Phillips Avenue & South 7th Avenue.

November 22, 2021

2. Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) Marker

Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) Marker, from the west image. Click for full size.

November 22, 2021

3. Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) Marker, from the west

Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) Marker, from the east image. Click for full size.

November 22, 2021

4. Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) Marker, from the east

Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) Marker, from the south image. Click for full size.

November 22, 2021

5. Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) Marker, from the south

Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2021. This page has been viewed 503 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 23, 2021. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.