Ridgeview in Dewey County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
St. Basil's Church
Mossman, South Dakota
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 2, 2009
1. St Basil's Church Marker
St. Basil's Church was built in 1917 by the children and friends of Mountainman Basil Claymore. Constructed in the French tradition of a family chapel it served as a Catholic church. Father John Vogel was the first priest to officiate at this location. Only two weddings were held here -- Louise Claymore and Cyrus Hiett in October 1917 and Josephine Claymore and Leo O'Neal in May 1921. Funds for construction were donated by the local families involved and in 1920 a Swiss bell was purchased to resound over the prairies calling all to Mass. The bell was stolen in 1933 and in 1934 a movement was begun to relocate the church in Ridgeview. The original families objected and the church remained, although Mass was no longer held.
The church became a familiar landmark and the cemetery continued to be used. During the bad blizzards of 1949 and 1950, the sanctuary served as a haven for stranded travellers who were able to keep from freezing by burning some of the pews. During the 1950's vandals began to demolish the building and by 1973 it stood in danger of complete destruction until friends started the renovation of it as a
this page online
The church has long been visited by artists and photographers and there are numerous paintings and photos of "The Little Prairie Church" throughout the country.
Erected 1975 by Claymore Families and Friends, South Dakota Department of Transportation, South Dakota State Historical Society. (Marker Number 462.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 45° 2.216′ N, 100° 53.621′ W. Marker was in Ridgeview, South Dakota, in Dewey County. It was on County Road 15 north of U.S. 212, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Eagle Butte SD 57625, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was on the Cheyenne River Reservation and in West River.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 2, 2009
2. St Basil's Church
More about this marker. I have confirmed with a local who has family buried in the cemetery that the historic marker has been removed since the church burned.
Regarding St. Basil's Church. The church burned July 19, 2015.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 27 times since then. Last updated on July 6, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
