DeSmet Property Added to National Register of Historic Places

Four more South Dakota properties were recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, according to the South Dakota State Historical Society. 

The properties listed in late June are the Gale Buildings in Canton, the Shady Lawn School No. 8 near De Smet, the Pierre American Legion Cabin, and the East Side Fire Station and Branch Library in Sioux Falls.

The National Register is the official federal list of properties identified as important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. The State Historic Preservation Office of the State Historical Society works in conjunction with the National Park Service, which oversees the National Register program, to list the properties. 

“South Dakota’s history is rich in American Indian culture, pioneer life and change,” said Jay D. Vogt, state historic preservation officer and director of the State Historical Society at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. “The more than 1,300 state individual properties and districts listed on the National Register are important for their role in South Dakota’s culture, heritage and history. And when properties get listed, it shows that their owners take pride in their role in preserving that culture, heritage and history.”

Buildings, sites, structures and objects at least 50 years old possessing historical significance may qualify for the National Register, according to Vogt. Properties must also maintain their historic location, design, materials and association. Listing on the National Register does not place any limitations on private property owners by the federal government. 

Shady Lawn School No. 8, is a one-room school house located in rural Kingsbury County was built in 1891. The society says Shady Lawn School No. 8 retains integrity of location, setting, design, workmanship, materials, feeling and association. The original floor plan is intact.

It is listed under the Schools in South Dakota (1999) Multiple Property Listing for historic significance in the context of education. It is significant because it represents the development of rural education, and it is recognized for design and construction as an excellent statewide example of an early rural schoolhouse constructed at the end of the 19th century. Both exterior and interior features represent the evolution of teaching tools available and the daily routine of children and teachers as they attended school.  

For more information on the National Register or other historic preservation programs, contact the State Historic Preservation Office at the Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2217; telephone 605-773-3458 or website history.sd.gov/Preservation (click on National Register of Historic Places in the right column).

(South Dakota State Historical Society)