Hot Springs in Fall River County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Sandstone Architecture of Hot Springs, SD
(side 1)
The site of Hot Springs was occupied before white men ever came to the area by tribal peoples for the “curative” benefits of the mineral springs. The constant 97-98 degree waters became the basis for the thriving resort town. Numerous bathhouses, sanitariums and luxurious hotels were built to host the thousands of people visiting to bathe in or drink from the warm springs. One of the men, a leading entrepreneur of the time who helped to build the town and ensure its growth was Fred T. Evans.
In 1891-92 Mr. Evans built the Evans Hotel, the grand five-story structure that still stands as a centerpiece in town. The hotel had furnishings imported from Europe, electric lights and warm water piped in for steam heat and baths. On the grounds were golf links, tennis courts and bathhouse connected to the hotel by an enclosed passageway.
(side 2)
Sandstone became the building block of Hot Springs, coming in a variety of colors including white, pink and tan. The Fall River County Courthouse, the VA Center with the VA Staircase leading to it, and the Minnekahta Block, a massive business edifice, all demonstrate the grandeur and pride of early Hot Springs as does the State Soldiers Home, a beautiful three-story structure of grey sandstone with a double verandah.
People still come to Hot Springs to swim in the very waters enjoyed at the turn of the century. Picturesque streetscapes lined with nearly 50 sandstone structures are a memorial to the early builders of Hot Springs. One of these is the smallest union depot in the world.
Erected by People and Businesses of Hot Springs, South Dakota State Historical Society, and South Dakota Department of Transportation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 43° 26.117′ N, 103° 28.881′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, South Dakota, in Fall River County. Marker is at the intersection of North River Street (U.S. 385) and Minnekahta Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North River Street. Marker is located beside the sidewalk near the south end of the Hot Springs Visitor Center parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hot Springs SD 57747, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. An Old Jail - 1888 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battle Mountain (approx. half a mile away); Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD (approx. 0.9 miles away); Leslie Jensen Scenic Drive (approx. 1.6 miles away); Hot Springs, SD (approx. 1.6 miles away); a different marker also named Leslie Jensen Scenic Drive (approx. 3.8 miles away); John Stevenson Robertson: Pioneer Horticulturalist (approx. 4 miles away); Fall River Falls (approx. 4.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hot Springs.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 758 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 30, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 1, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7, 8, 9. submitted on October 30, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 10. submitted on October 3, 2018. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.