Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Columbus College
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, January 11, 2016
1. Columbus College Marker
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Columbus College began in 1909 in Chamberlain. S. Dak., and operated there for 12 years. With the inspiration of Bishop Thomas O'Gorman, the all-male prep school, high school, and college were moved to Sioux Falls and reopened in September 1921.
Sixty acres were purchased at this location, and a dormitory, classrooms, and other buildings were constructed in the Collegiate Gothic architectural style. It was said the college was intended to become the "Notre Dame of the Midwest."
The curriculum included
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liberal arts, five foreign languages, commercial courses, and four pre professional majors. Many graduates went on to Catholic seminaries. Athletic teams, nicknamed the "Mariners." ruled the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference. In 1926 its teams were league champions in all three major sports: football, basketball and track.
Columbus College, an early victim of the Great Depression, closed in 1929. The original buildings remain as part of the 1949 Royal C. Johnson Veterans Memorial Hospital.
Erected 2003 by Minnehaha County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1921.
Location. 43° 31.982′ N, 96°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Department of Veterans Affairs (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1870s' Grasshopper Invasions (approx. 0.2 miles away); Children's Care Hospital & School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sherman Park Indian Burial Mounds (approx. 0.3 miles away); Linear Mound (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ceremonial Dance Circle (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mound Builders Village (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Fifth Mound (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, January 11, 2016
2. Columbus College Marker
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, January 11, 2016
3. Columbus College Marker
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, January 11, 2016
4. Current VA Medical Center
The original brick building that you see is part of the original college buildings.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2016, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 593 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 12, 2016, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
