Minnehaha County Historical Society

The Society began working to save and mark historic sites upon incorporating in 1928, with many successes.

The MCHS marked and interpreted the site where Judge Joseph Amidon and son William were slain in 1862.

Established over 200+ Historical Markers at Historic and Geological sites, including the Old Yankton Trail wagon ruts on the USF campus.

Helped preserve vulnerable sites such as Indian mounds at Sherman Park and Brandon,SD.

Led the fight to preserve the U.S. Senator Richard F. Pettigrew Residence and Personal Archives to establish the Pettigrew House & Museum.

Launched the campaign to save the Historic Minnehaha County Courthouse, now the Old Courthouse Museum, & Sioux Falls Coliseum.

Led multiple restorations of the Tri-State Marker in partnership with Lyon County, IA; Rock County, MN; and Minnehaha County, SD. (1938,1969,1982 and 1988)

Organized the Sioux Falls 50th, 75th, and 100th Anniversary Celebrations. Helped plan the 125th & 150th Anniversaries of the 1856 Founding of the City of Sioux Falls.

Constructed the Pioneer Memorial at the site where the Dubuque Land Company Founders first saw the Falls of the Sioux River.

Lobbied in partnership with the Sioux Valley Genealogical Society for a SD Law requiring local communities to appoint citizen boards to supervise the care and preservation of abandoned cemeteries.

Recorded lives of early pioneers by publishing a book of biographical, business and institutional history of the county; sponsored books by private authors in the Society; and sponsored projects at the City & County museums.