Fort Pierre in Stanley County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Stockgrowers Bank of Fort Pierre

May 14, 2023

1. The Stockgrowers Bank of Fort Pierre Marker, Side One

Inscription. The National Register listed the Stockgrowers Bank and it is the single example of Romanesque Revival architecture in Fort Pierre. The building represents an interesting and well-executed adaptation of the style to the needs of the small frontier community and is the most important commercial building erected in Fort Pierre during the 20th century. The bank symbolizes the commercial development of Fort Pierre during the early 20th century as the business center for much of western South Dakota's cattle raising activity. The two-story, brick building dominates the center of town. The cut sandstone foundation, polygonal corner tower with ornamental festoons, decorative brickwork and arched windows with brick keystones set it apart. The Stockgrowers Bank quickly became the most prestigious office and commercial building in Fort Pierre. In addition to the bank itself, one other tenant included the first telephone exchange in Fort Pierre.

The 1860 census listed 15 people living in town. The Discovery of Gold in the Black Hills changed all of that. By 1877, Fort Pierre was a boom town of 300 plus people with stores, hotels,

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saloons and huge freight warehouses. So much was coming up river by steamboat that freight was stacked up along the riverbank awaiting overland transport. On an average day five wagon trains with a total of 75 wagons filled with freight and feed would leave for the Black Hills.

Charles L. Millett and his wife settled in Fort Pierre in 1890 when the Great Sioux Reservation opened to white settlement. They established squatter rights for their residence in April of that year and officially incorporated a banking enterprise at the corner of Deadwood and Main Streets, the future site of the Stockgrowers Bank. In 1903, Millett, along with Gaylord E. Sumner and James (Scotty) Philip, constructed the building and began the Stockgrowers Bank which became the business center. He also had a chain of associated banks in Midland, Philip, Kadoka, Cottonwood, and Milesville.

Among the first officers of the bank were Anton and Frank Fischer, originators of what was the oldest general store under continuous management in central South Dakota. Other officers included the owner of the first lumber yard in Fort Pierre Gaylord Sumner, Reverend Thomas

The Stockgrowers Bank of Fort Pierre Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

May 14, 2023

2. The Stockgrowers Bank of Fort Pierre Marker, Side Two

L. Riggs, and rancher James (Scotty) Philip.

Erected 2017. (Marker Number 712.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.

Location. 44° 21.265′ N, 100° 22.263′ W. Marker is in Fort Pierre, South Dakota, in Stanley County. It is on Deadwood Street north of Main Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 32 E Main Ave, Fort Pierre SD 57532, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe

and in East River.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

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

The Stockgrowers Bank of Fort Pierre Marker image. Click for full size.

May 14, 2023

3. The Stockgrowers Bank of Fort Pierre Marker

of this marker: Stockgrowers Bank (here, next to this marker); Andy's Meat Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Stanley County Courthouse Veteran's Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stanley County Jail 1905 (about 700 feet away); The Fort Pierre Plain (about 800 feet away); Father Christian Hoecken, S.J. (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Lewis and Clark Expedition (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lewis and Clark First Sioux Nation Meeting (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Pierre.

The Stockgrowers Bank of Fort Pierre Marker, from the south image. Click for full size.

May 14, 2023

4. The Stockgrowers Bank of Fort Pierre Marker, from the south

The Stockgrowers Bank of Fort Pierre image. Click for full size.

May 14, 2023

5. The Stockgrowers Bank of Fort Pierre

May 14, 2023

6. The Stockgrowers Bank of Fort Pierre

Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2023. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2023. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 27, 2023.