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

McHardy Park

May 20, 2022

1. McHardy Park Marker

Inscription. In 1870, Thorsten Lee homesteaded what is now part of McHardy Park. In 1972, owners Dr. Bryson and Hazel McHardy donated 35.85 acres of that land to Brandon Lions Club for park development. In 1973, lacking funds, the Lion's turned the property over to Minnehaha County and McHardy Park became the county's first developed park. In 1977 the park was annexed into the Brandon city limits. The National Guard built a 50-foot tower overlooking the park in 1983. The tower has become a landmark. Through the years, the McHardys have donated additional parcels of land, bringing the total to 74 acres. The Brandon Lions Club played a significant roll in developing the park to include a footbridge, shelters, picnic tables, parking, and playground equipment. In January of 2001, the county deeded the park to the city of Brandon. A special thanks to the McHardy family and the Brandon Lions Club for providing this beautiful park to the citizens of Brandon.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 43° 35.222′ N, 96° 34.114′ W. Marker

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is in Brandon, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It can be reached from South McHardy Road 0.1 miles south of East Aspen Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. Located in McHardy Park in Brandon. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brandon SD 57005, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River

and in Greater Sioux Falls.

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 Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Split Rock Creek Tragedy (within shouting distance of this marker); Fur Trapper Ambush (within shouting distance of this marker); The City of Brandon (approx. 0.2 miles away); Brandon Veteran's Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nels Nelson Graff Cabin (approx. 0.7 miles away); Brandon School (approx. 0.9 miles

McHardy Park Marker, from the north image. Click for full size.

May 20, 2022

2. McHardy Park Marker, from the north

away); 1916 Brandon School (approx. 0.9 miles away); Bergeson’s Homestead (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brandon.

McHardy Park image. Click for full size.

May 20, 2022

3. McHardy Park

McHardy Park Memorial Marker image. Click for full size.

May 20, 2022

4. McHardy Park Memorial Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2022. This page has been viewed 533 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 29, 2022.