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

Hillcrest Timber Claim

May 16, 2024

1. Hillcrest Timber Claim Marker

Inscription. Marthin Christianson was a logger before moving west from Wisconsin to Dakota Territory in 1878. Thus, it was only fitting that this Norwegian immigrant would take advantage of the Timber Culture Act of 1873. Christianson was one of the first settlers in what was to become the city of Brookings. Once the Timber Culture Act was signed into law, he took a claim on the quarter of land south of his homestead (now Hillcrest Park) and planted ash, cottonwood, and maple, Christianson sold Hillcrest to a Mr. Lommen for $5,000 in 1900. Several hundred of the original green ash trees can still be identified as rows of trees in the northeast corner of the park.

From 1921 to 1941 travelers could rent eight small cabins in the park. A swimming pool was added to Hillcrest Park in 1937. An elementary school was built nearby in 1953. Today Hillcrest Park is also home to many recreational facilities including a playground, horseshoe pitching court, picnic ground, aquatic center and tennis courts. It is managed by the City of Brookings Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department.

During the blizzard of 1881, Christianson's wife took

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in a nearly frozen traveler. He left the next day, but never made it to his destination; a charred body was found that spring after a fire burned much of the prairie. The body was buried where it was found, and construction crews uncovered it while breaking ground for the first Hillcrest Elementary addition.

Left: Log cabins in Hillcrest Tourism Camp, 1930s.
Right: Christianson's Land Patent signed by President Harrison.

Erected by the City of Brookings, the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, a Preserve America grant, and the South Dakota State Historical Society. Images courtesy of the South Dakota State Agriculture Heritage Museum and the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 44° 18.668′ N, 96° 46.623′ W. Marker is in Brookings, South Dakota, in Brookings County. It is on 6th Street (U.S. 14) west of 17th Avenue, on the right when traveling

Hillcrest Timber Claim Marker, from the north image. Click for full size.

May 16, 2024

2. Hillcrest Timber Claim Marker, from the north

east. Located in Hillcrest Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1520 6th St, Brookings SD 57006, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

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 walking distance of this marker: Brookings / Hillcrest Park (a few steps from this marker); College Green (approx. 0.6 miles away); Medal of Honor Park (approx. 0.6 miles away); Coughlin Campanile (approx. 0.6 miles away); Paul Zantow Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); Larson Hill & Park (approx. 0.8 miles away); Heart of Brookings (approx. 0.9 miles away); Brookings County South Dakota Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brookings.

Hillcrest Timber Claim Marker, from the east image. Click for full size.

May 16, 2024

3. Hillcrest Timber Claim Marker, from the east

Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2024. This page has been viewed 326 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 31, 2024.