Vermillion in Clay County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Old Main
National Register of Historic Places
April 15, 2023
1. Old Main Marker
National Register of Historic Places
by the United States Department of the Interior
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
Location. 42° 47.027′ N, 96° 55.46′ W. Marker is in Vermillion, South Dakota, in Clay County. Marker can be reached from East Clark Street north of North University Street, on the right when traveling west. Located on the USD campus, at the south center entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 414 E Clark St, Vermillion SD 57069, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. W. O. "Doc" Farber (within shouting distance of this marker); University of South Dakota (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Col. George E. "Bud" Day (approx. 0.2 miles away); Capt. Joseph J. Foss (approx. 0.2 miles away); Capt. Arlo L. Olson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Prentis Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Buhrstone (approx. 0.4 miles away); The First Baptist Church, Vermillion, South Dakota (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vermillion.
Also see . . . South Dakota SP Old Main - National Archives Catalog.
Statement of Significance (from 1972):(Submitted on April 28, 2023.)
"Old Main was the first building of higherpublic education constructed in Dakota. The First Dakota Territorial Legislature authorized the location of a territorial university at Vermillion on April 21, 1862. Little was accomplished toward the establishment of the University until 1881 when Congress granted 72 sections of land to Dakota for a University when admitted as a state. This official action stimulated Vermillion citizens to form a corporate association to establish the University of Dakota. As the result of efforts of this group, Clay County issued $10,000 in bonds on March 13, 1882.
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The Vermillion Association used the proceed of the bonds to construct the west wing of University Hall (Old Main) in 1883. That same year the legislature ratified and sustained the action and accepted the building as a free gift. In 1884-1885, the center portion of the building was constructed, and the east wing was added in 1887.
Old Main is constructed of a pink quartzite which is locally quarried near Sioux Falls, South Dakota and is no longer used for building stone. Mr. W. L. Dow of Yankton, later Sioux Falls, served as the architect for the entire structure.
In October of 1893, Old Main was gutted by fire. The basic shell remained and the building was immediately rebuilt. Clay County contributed $30,000, with the City of Vermillion and its citizenry contributing an additional $12,500. Incorporated intothe reconstruction were materials and decorations from buildings at the World Columbia Exposition. These included items such as a series of stamped metal friezes on the exterior front of the building.April 15, 20232. Old Main Marker
Old Main served as the center of activity for the University for a number of years. The building remains as one of the few surviving structures that are both sound and significant in the heritage and traditions of this area.
As the original structure of the University of South Dakota, Old Main serves as an expressive tie to every graduate with the past. Present plans call for a complete renovation of the interior and restoration of the exterior. It is intended to use the structure, once restored, for administrative offices and classrooms."
April 15, 2023
3. Old Main
Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2023. This page has been viewed 66 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 28, 2023.
