Near Ramona in Lake County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

St. Ann's Catholic Church of Badus

Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016

1. St. Ann's Catholic Church of Badus Marker

Inscription.
Has been entered in the
National Register of Historic Places
By the Heritage Service of the
United States Department of the Interior
Built 1884

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: 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 1884.

Location. 44° 8.856′ N, 97° 8.498′ W. Marker is near Ramona, South Dakota, in Lake County. It is on 453rd Avenue 0.3 miles south of 223rd Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ramona SD 57054, 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 Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Original Badus Swiss Colony Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Badus – Pioneer Swiss Colony (approx. 0.7 miles away); Kingsbury County / Lake County (approx. 3.4 miles away); Lake County South Dakota (approx. 3.4 miles away); DeRungs Memorial Field (approx. 4.3 miles away); St. Williams Catholic Church of Ramona (approx. 4.3 miles away); In Appreciation (approx. 6.2 miles away); Lake Madison Lutheran Church (approx. 6.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ramona.

Also see . . . South Dakota SP St. Ann's Catholic Church of Badus - National Archives NextGen Catalog

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. From the National Register of Historic Places Inventory--Nomination Form (1979):

Statement of Significance

"St. Ann's Catholic Church of Badus is significant for religious and architectural reasons. It also exemplifies the influx of European immigrants onto the western prairies of America. In this particular instance the group responsible for the building of this church had emigrated to Dakota Territory from Switzerland. The building housed the Badus Catholic community from 1884 when it was built until 1965 when it was closed. The length of this period of service makes the church important to this religious community. It also reflects the early pioneer spirit and sense of unity shown by its founders. The Badus settlement became the religious, commercial and social center for miles around."

"Father John Brogan offered the first mass in this colony on May 20, 1880, in the school house. In 1881, Monsignor Thomas A. Flynn of Madison was given permanent charge of the parish as a mission. Shortly thereafter the congregation expanded, due to the settlement of a group of Irish settlers near the Badus settlement who were attracted by the advantages of a Catholic community. In 1884, the Church of St. Ann was built to serve the ever increasing needs of the community, at a cost of nearly $3,000, and had a seating capacity of 275.

"The present
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016

2. St. Ann's Catholic Church of Badus
church stands as it was erected ninety-four years ago. The church and the cemetery are the only remaining reminders of what was once a thriving community and they serve as a constant reminder of the importance that most pioneering immigrant groups attached to their religion."

(Submitted on June 1, 2024.)

St. Ann's Catholic Church & Cemetery of Badus Memorial, with Lake Badus in the background image. Click for full size.

August 15, 2021

3. St. Ann's Catholic Church & Cemetery of Badus Memorial, with Lake Badus in the background

Located across the road from St. Ann's Catholic Church.
"First Mass Held 1880
Church Built 1884
Memorial Dedicated 1994"

Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2016, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 1,059 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 3, 2016, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 3. submitted on August 17, 2021. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.