The Intersection of Third & Walnut

The Intersection of Third and Walnut. . This corner of Walnut and 3rd Streets has been the focal point of many historical events in Yankton. Among the most significant were visits by William Jennings Bryan, President William McKinley, and President Theodore Roosevelt., William Jennings Bryan made this location a stop on his presidential campaign trail against William McKinley in 1896. During his presidency, William McKinley spoke here for 20 minutes on the evening of October 14, 1899. President Theodore Roosevelt spoke here for 15 minutes on the morning of April 6, 1903., Upgrading electric poles with sixteen (16) candle power on the corner of 3rd and Walnut Streets, September 13, 1905. Electric service was available from sunset until midnight., Top: Paving of 3rd Street, 1915. , Right: The Union Block building, southeast corner of 3rd and Walnut streets, was a thriving business complex until a fire destroyed it in 1901. The current building was erected in its place and most known as the home of the Fantle Brothers Department Store for nearly a century., "I am glad to have the chance of being here in South Dakota, and I feel at home, I have been here many times. Twenty-three years ago I came to Dakota when it was a territory, and if there are any cow puncher in the audience I might claim special acquaintance with them..." - President Roosevelt at Yankton, S.D. April 6, 1903