Salem in McCook County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
St. Mary's Catholic Church
January 24, 2026
1. St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. 43° 43.596′ N, 97° 23.407′ W. Marker is in Salem, South Dakota, in McCook County. It is at the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Idaho Street, on the right when traveling west on Vermont Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 240 W Vermont Ave, Salem SD 57058, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in East River and in Greater Sioux Falls. 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 Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: McCook County Courthouse Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Purple Heart Memorial Highway (approx. 4.3 miles away); Salem Rest Area (approx. 4½ miles away); Canistota Veterans Memorial (approx. 10.1 miles away); Roll of Honor (approx. 10.2 miles away); Spencer Tornado Memorial (approx. 10.2 miles away); Bridgewater Cemetery Veterans Memorial
this page online
Also see . . .
1. South Dakota SP St. Mary's Catholic Church | National Archives Catalog. National Register of Historic Places InventoryNomination Form (1985).
Excerpt from the Statement of Significance:(Submitted on February 9, 2026.)
"Displaying the fine craftsmanship of its German builders, St. Mary's Catholic Church is significant in the area of architecture. This building, which exemplifies Gothic Revival architecture, retains most of its original features including its brickwork, pointed arch windows and stained glass panels, pipe organ, and elaborately carved altarpieces."
"... Early in February [1898], the excavation work began and by June of that year, work on the foundation was far enough along that plans were made for the laying of the cornerstone. This happened on July 4, 1898, at a day long community celebration. Work progressed steadily from then on with everyone chipping in. Even the town's Swedish neighbors who were living north of Salem contributed to the stone work.
"Over the next nine years, the interior was worked on whenever funds became available. Fixtures from the old church were installed and, by 1905, beautifully carved altars were purchasedalong with pews and other furnishings. A new pipe organ was acquired from Germany in 1910. In 1948, the interior was redecorated and stained glass windows were installed. Marble, which came from Italy, was placed around the sanctuary walls to highlight the elaborate hand-carved High Altar. On June 17, 1907, Bishop O'Gorman came to Salem to consecrate the new, debt-free church."January 24, 20262. St. Mary's Catholic Church & Marker
2. History St. Mary Catholic Church. (Submitted on February 9, 2026.)
January 24, 2026
3. St. Mary's Catholic Church, from the southwest
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4. St. Mary's Catholic Church, from the east
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5. St. Mary's Catholic Church, from the northwest
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6. St. Mary's Catholic Church Cornerstone
"St. Mary's Church A. D. 1898"
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2026. This page has been viewed 62 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 9, 2026.
