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

District 89 Medary Twp. School

November 16, 2025

1. District 89 Medary Twp. School Marker

Inscription. This 1880's one-room rural schoolhouse was, by 1900, one of more than 100 rural schools, about five in each of Brookings County's 22 mostly 36 square-mile townships. Rural schools were more than centers of learning. They were sources of pride and the glue that held isolated farming communities together. They were meeting places, venues for sporting, social and cultural gatherings and sites for neighborhood celebrations.

In 2014, Harold Christianson of Volga, set aside funds for maintenance of this school building, in memory of his brothers and sisters who taught in rural schools.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 44° 19.406′ N, 96° 55.772′ W. Marker is in Volga, South Dakota, in Brookings County. It can be reached from the intersection of 3rd Street and Samara Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Located on the grounds of the Brookings County Museum, in Doc & Roma Peeke Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 207 Samara Ave, Volga SD 57071, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sundet Log Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Doc & Roma Peeke Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Wolfe and Blase Land Donation Recognition (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Volga, South Dakota Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away); J. L. Hall Property Donation (about 400 feet away); Volga Auditorium (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oakwood Lakes Big Sioux River - Volga (approx. 0.2 miles away); Brookings County Veterans Memorial (approx. 6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Volga.

Also see . . . Christianson Rural School | Brookings County Museum | Volga SD. (Submitted on December 21, 2025.)

November 16, 2025

2. District 89 Medary Twp. School & Marker

Above the door: "Dist. #89 1880"

District 89 Medary Twp. School image. Click for full size.

November 16, 2025

3. District 89 Medary Twp. School

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2025. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 21, 2025.