The Aberdeen South Dakota Commercial Historic District

Railroad Town Hub City and Main Street Commercial Development

Since its founding in 1881, Aberdeen has been the dominant regional commercial center for northeast South Dakota and the Aberdeen Commercial Historic District is the commercial core of this regional hub. Main Street is a homogeneous collection of brick buildings built between 1884 and 1983, with special emphasis on the 1908-29 period. The district conveys a strong feeling of architectural cohesiveness with design elements such as corbelling and geometric brick and concrete patterns as distinguishing features that reinforce the feeling of time and place.

General Characteristics the Aberdeen Commercial Historic District extends six full blocks on either side of the predominant commercial street in town, Main Street. All eighty-two buildings were built for commercial use, except for the recent brick Sherman Apartments and the 1899 Masonic Temple. As befits a railroad town, the linear district emanates from the source of Aberdeen's establishment, the Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad tracks, then continues south to Sixth Avenue - Highway 12.

The commercial development of Main Street has been continuous and the break in construction between 1938 and 1951 offers a distinct end to the period of significance, 1884 to 1938. The lengthy, four-decades-long period provides a significant continuum that illustrates the initial and unbroken economic vitality of Main Street. Within this fifty-four-year period of significance is a notable cluster of construction dates. Fully forty of the eighty-two buildings were built between 1908 and 1929, reflecting the boom years of Aberdeen's and South Dakota's commercial development.

Aberdeen was born of railroad construction and the related Dakota land boom of the 1880s. The selection of a site reflected the economic motives behind its creation. Representatives of the Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad were responsible for the town's founding and based their selection on the best chance for maximum economic return. They chose this site at the expense of the existing settlement of Columbia, favoring an intersection point with the North-Western Railroad, fully recognizing the economic dividends of a location at two intersecting rail lines.

The site was very flat and low. Sloughs and marshes greeted the actual surveyors in the fall of 1880. A town plan, named for the home town of Milwaukee Road president Alexander Mitchell, was filed on January 3, 1881, and the first lot buyers arrived that spring. The first train stopped at the station at the north end of Main Street on July 6, 1881, and from then on building after building was erected in rapid succession, according to contemporary reports by pioneer merchant T. Clarkson Gage. By that fall there were reportedly 250 residents.

Lots on Main Street sold for $125 for a 25-foot frontage, $150 for corner sites

The early buildings were small, hastily constructed wood frame stores with boom town fronts. With the highly advantageous position at the crossing of two rail lines and the resulting converging travelers, merchandise, and commodities, Aberdeen was immediately a locus for commercial enterprise in Brown County. The county grew from just 353 people in 1880 to 12,241 five years later, approximately 2,000 of them in Aberdeen.

By 1886 the eminence of Aberdeen was assured. Now three railroads served the community, giving the city the sobriquet, the Hub City. The U.S. Land Office opened an office there, and all manner of commercial enterprise served the growing hinterland. An 1889 city directory, for example, lists no less than eleven farm implement dealers, six banks and eight mortgage companies, seven dry goods stores, twenty hotels and boarding houses, six newspapers, and ten saloons

Depression and Rebuilding 1890-1929. The late 1880s also brought the end of the initial and speedy prosperity of the heady settlement era. Crop failures, then a nationwide financial depression in the 1890s ended the construction boom and stilled commercial development in Aberdeen. None of the extant buildings along Main Street apparently were built between 1893 and 1898. At the turn of the century came another cycle of plenty which continued unabated into the 1920s. Again, a land boom triggered speculation; rising crop prices brought a return to prosperity. Population mushroomed from 4,087 in 1900 to 10,150 a decade later, a 160 percent increase.

The further development of Main Street reflected the newfound abundance in Aberdeen, both in its expansion and in the quality of construction. Larger and more permanent and costly brick- veneered replacements dotted Main Street; every decade brought a spate of new buildings. Aberdonians gained the largest steel and concrete building in the state, except for the contemporary State Capitol. Built the following year, the McDiarmid & Slater Building occupied a pivotal corner site on the south end of block five, west side. Its distinctive tan brick with contrasting red- brown brick, corbelled cornice and lively geometric patterns exemplified Aberdeen commercial buildings from the early twentieth century.

. In 1926 the elaborate five- story Capitol Theater opened, its exotic Moorish and Gothic Revival motifs and immense neon sign a beacon on Saturday nights.

The 1920s marked the arrival of national chain stores in Aberdeen. Kresge and J.C. Penney

The Great Depression 1929-41. Following WWI and the related slide in farm product prices, agricultural areas such as northeast South Dakota suffered an economic decline. In 1929 the boom period ended in earnest nationally with the dramatic end to high stock market prices. Aberdeen was still the largest town on the Milwaukee Road between Minneapolis and Butte, Montana. With its large trading area extending from Roberts County west to the Missouri River and from the North Dakota border south to Redfield, it still could count on retail and wholesale sales, but at a diminished rate.  

Design Sources for many of the Main Street buildings are likely the product of presently anonymous practices--contractors, pattern books, local architects. During the rebuilding years of the early twentieth century, it is known that architects flocked to booming Aberdeen. Little has been identified about Aberdeen architects, but the 1910 city directory listed no less than seven architects.

The Rapid City South Dakota Commercial Historic District

The Black Hills area became important as a commercial center for transient miners in the 1870s, but later served the needs of more stable social-economic groups. The district's structures are of late 19^th and early 20^th century origin and reflect typical period architecture. Rapid City was founded with the idea that it would be a service center for people and materials destined for the gold fields. John R. Brennan persuaded a group of unsuccessful miners to establish a town on the eastern slopes of the Black Hills where he and his followers had discovered an adequate water supply in Rapid Creek.

Rapid City was founded on February 25, 1876 and was named for the nearby stream

At first, the city failed to grow in population and economic strength despite its location on freight routes from Nebraska and eastern South Dakota. As corporate mining replaced individual prospecting, and stable homesteading and ranching elements settled the surrounding areas, Rapid City became a permanent consumer market. It soon aspired to be the wholesale center for western South Dakota and the gateway city for the Black Hills.

Better transportation was necessary to achieve commercial primacy; municipal bond sales induced the Missouri, Fremont, and Missouri Valley Railroad to enter the city on July 4, 1886 creating new business opportunities and a quadrupling of the population between 1880-1890. Three additional railroads followed the Missouri, Fremont, and Missouri Valley and contributed to the economic security of the region.

Commercial success was manifested in the historic district's architecture. Rapid City's earliest buildings normally consisted of non-descript frame structures. Prosperity soon stimulated more elaborate construction consisting of brick, cut stone, and limestone. Italianate, Neoclassical, and Renaissance designs dominated throughout the district. The period architecture and historical importance of these buildings create an impressive historic district.

The characteristics of the buildings create the appearance of a late 19^th and early 20^th century city

The Rapid City Historic Commercial District consists of thirty-eight buildings in the center of the town's business area. This district includes one complete rectangular block and portions of five others. Most structures are two stories, along with one and three-story structures. A single eight story building towers over the district. All roof tops are flat and usually are covered with tar. Although roofing materials are similar, exterior wall coverings vary. Most buildings are brick of different color, texture, and shape. Limestone, cut stone, clapboard, stucco, and modern siding are used in the facing.

512 6^th Street - 1911 this structure was one of the three main buildings in the district used for professional offices. The building was built by the Elks for a meeting hall. It is of the Neoclassical type and is three stories high. Brick and masonry are the main facing materials used. The building features pilasters, dentils, brackets, cresting and masonry ornamentations.

601 Main - 1916 a two-story structure of Neoclassical design situated at the corner of 6^th and Main Streets. This building is the Pennington County Bank and is constructed of limestone. The building has always been a bank and reflects the district's commercial importance.

610 Main - 1915 this structure still houses a fire station; one of few such fire stations left from this era. It is a two-story brick veneered building with masonry materials used as decorative features It still has the fire house doors and the only alteration has been the addition of another vehicle door on the west side.

523 6th Street - 1927 an eight-story structure and one of the earliest tall buildings in the state. It has served as a hotel throughout its existence. It is constructed of brick facing with masonry as decoration.

Connect with Tema

Visit the Rapid City South Dakota Commercial Historic District

Knowledge Tourism

tema@arezza.net   skype arezza1  arezza.org 

Rapid City South Dakota

The Black Hills Mount Rushmore Crazy Horse Memorial Custer State Park and the Badlands

Rapid City is centrally located to visit the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park and the Badlands.

Western and Native American Heritage throughout the city you will find Native American history exhibits, fine arts displays, and interactive museums like the: 

The Journey Museum takes you from the formation of the Black Hills over 2.5 billion years ago to the continuing saga of the Western frontier. Interactive exhibits and displays present the geography, people and events that shaped the history and heritage of this region. 

Dahl Arts Center located downtown, is a city-owned art museum that offers a variety of cultural exhibits, as well as classes, seminars and free art adventures.  

APEX Gallery located on the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology campus, you can explore Rapid City’s ancient past at one of the finest fossil and mineral museums in the country.

Main Street Square in Rapid City with daily activities and entertainment and City of Presidents and get your picture taken with life‐size bronze statues of our nation’s presidents.

Rapid City has two historic districts for your enjoyment. The first is the historic downtown with notable buildings such as the 1914 First National Bank building at 7th and Main. Across the street you will find the 1911 Lions Head Fountain, which was once a watering station for horses. The West Historical District is residential in character; portions of 18 blocks contain examples of the city's finest late 19^th century and early 20^th century structures.

Mount Rushmore carved from a mountain of granite, Mount Rushmore is located only 17 miles from Rapid City.  Visit the park year-round, see mountain goats and walk the Avenue of Flags. 

Badlands National Park consists of 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. Wall Drug, a tiny store, built in 1931, has boomed to become internationally known for its offering of free ice water, specialty shopping, and a unique backyard experience. While in Wall, also visit Wounded Knee: The Museum and learn about the last, bloody conflict between Native Americans and the US Army Cavalry.

Custer State Park is home to wildlife including one of the nation's largest free roaming buffalo herds and the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, a 66-mile scenic route, the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. 

Crazy Horse Memorial is the world's largest sculpture-in-progress. When completed, it will stand 563 feet tall by 641 feet long.  See the mountain carving in progress, museums and laser light show.

Stavkirke - Chapel in the Hills - is a replica of an 850‐year‐old church in Norway. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Outdoor Campus West featuring educational outdoor activities. Tour one of the Black Hills Gold jewelry factories and watch as each piece of jewelry is hand‐crafted.

Fort Meade Museum, home of the 7th Cavalry, re‐formed after the disastrous Battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876.

Deadwood area attractions include the Black Hills Mining Museum, the Homestake Visitor Center in Lead and Mount Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried.

Aberdeen South Dakota

Aberdeen South Dakota Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by the Sioux Indians. The first group of Euro-American settlers to reach the area in the 1820s was a party of four people, three horses, two mules, fifteen cattle, and two wagons. This group of settlers was later joined by another group the following spring, and eventually more settlers migrated toward this general area. Like many towns of the Midwest, Aberdeen was built around the newly developing railroads. Officially plotted as a town site on January 3, 1881 by the Milwaukee Road which was presided over by Alexander Mitchell, who was born in Scotland, hence the name Aberdeen. The town was was officially founded on July 6, 1881, the date of the first arrival of a Milwaukee Railroad train.

The Dacotah Prairie Museum The idea for a community museum in Aberdeen dates back almost 70 years. In 1938, John Murphy, a Northern State College professor, and Marc Cleworth, a salesman, created the Northern South Dakota History Museum which was housed in the Central building on Northern's campus. The collection of this first museum grew rapidly through loans and donations until by 1941, it had amassed a collection of over 500 items.
 

The Pheasant Canteen Exhibit, located in the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad depot on north Main Street, opened on August 19, 1943 as a project of the American Red Cross and the USO. Its purpose was to bring food and encouragement to servicemen and women who were traveling through Aberdeen toward training facilities or deployment. An average of 500 military persons a day passed through Aberdeen on 4-6 trains. The Pheasant Canteen was known for its pheasant sandwiches. Farmers first donated the pheasants for the sandwiches and later pheasant hunts were organized to aid the canteen. The last meal was served on March 31, 1946.
The Historic Alonzo Ward Hotel has been restored to its full grandeur as demonstrated by the elegance, architectural detail and fine appointments of the lobby. Dining at the Ward Plaza is an experience in itself; a unique combination featuring American and International cuisine artfully presented and creatively prepared.

Aberdeen Trails Since 1989, over 20 miles of trails have been developed for use by the citizens of Aberdeen. The trails are meant for a multiplicity of users including bicyclists, walkers, and joggers. Trails are either constructed on public rights of way along greenways, through park areas, or along city streets.
The Aberdeen Community Theater on historic Main Street opened in January of 1927. This French art deco theater is also home to the Capitol Theatre which has been providing quality, award-winning live theater productions for northeastern South Dakota. Along with ACT’s live theater season between April and November, the Capitol Cinema programming features special film events throughout the year and Hollywood films seven nights a week from December to March.

The Highlands Historical District Featuring homes built from 1907 to 1969, it is comprised of 17 houses. The area was first given the lofty title of highlands because it rose three feet higher than the commercial district which was located in a slough. Over the years, houses of varying styles have been blended together to form a pleasing combination of both modern and classical architecture. Many of the homes are among the most outstanding examples of period architecture in the state.
The Grassland Hutterite Colony Discover a people whose ingenuity allows them to fashion their own clothing, handcraft their own furniture, and live in a self-sustaining community. A truly unique culture that has changed little in over four centuries and has thrived more than a century in South Dakota. Tour the wood working shop where some of the finest wood furniture in South Dakota is made, the granite shop and turkey barns. Then experience German food and fresh vegetables from the 15 acre garden.
The Ethanol Corn Industry learn how corn gets made into the ethanol. Also experience hunting, fishing and numerous other outdoors sports activities.

Bieber Red Angus Ranch is approximately 9000 acres. Bieber’s run 700 Red Angus cows and handle all the development bulls and heifers. Great pride is taken in managing the grasslands that the Red Angus herd grazes. Grassland is one of the largest recyclers of CO2 and good management of that grassland is essential to the sustainability of the operation. The operation take prides on working cattle on horses. Branding happen in early April, Late April and early June. Visiting this operation will give participants a great insight into the use of agricultural land to rough for grain production and how efficient beef cattle are in using this landscape.

Wylie Park Step back in time and experience all the childhood fables you grew to know and love. L. Frank Baum, noted author and resident of Aberdeen from 1888 to 1891, wrote his story and timeless children's classic, "The Wizard of Oz." The theme, setting and characters from "The Wizard of Oz" provided the inspiration for Aberdeen's newest theme park. The Land of Oz features several attractions including Dorothy's House, complete with tornado special effects. See cows and chickens fly through the air! Your group will have a chance to visit Munchkin Land, Scarecrow's and Tin Man's houses. Travel the Yellow Brick Road through the Haunted Forest, where the Talking Trees shout out as you make you way to the Lion's Den and the Wicked Witch's Castle.

Aberdeen's magical theme park, Storybook Land Follow the Yellow Brick Road to a land of enchantment which includes more than 65 larger than life nursery rhyme-themed exhibits. Visit a medieval castle, complete with moat and guarded by knights in armor. See Rapunzel with her hair let down over the castle wall waiting for her prince to arrive. Climb aboard Captain Hook's boat, see Humpty Dumpty's Wall, or crawl through the tunnel to the middle of "Dog Town," a prairie dog exhibit at the zoo.