History Of Yankton County
Bordered on the south by the
Missouri River, Yankton County
has played an integral part in
South Dakota history.
1861 heralded the first
territorial government, with
the City of Yankton being
designated the capital of
Dakota Territory. Steamboat
trade flourished and in 1873
the first railroad line connected
Yankton and Sioux City, Iowa.
The County was named for
the Yankton band of the Sioux
Indians. History suggests
that Meriwether Lewis and
George Rogers Clark were the
first white men to set foot on
Yankton County soil. Pelagie
LaBarge is the first known white
woman to journey to Yankton
County, arriving in 1847 with
her husband, a steamboat
captain. Joseph R. Hanson
was the first settler in 1859.
1861 also witnessed the first
official newspaper, “The Weekly
Dakotan”, being published.
The first school, held in the
home of Dr. Abram Van Osdel,
opened in December of 1862.
Governor Howard selected
Yankton County as the site for
the state insane hospital in
September of 1878. Yankton
City and County lost the fight to
retain the status of Territorial
Capital in 1883 and the capital
was moved to Bismark, ND.
The rich history of the County
is preserved through many
landmark buildings, historical
sites and the written word.
Yankton County, established
in 1862, is located along the
southern border of South
Dakota along the Missouri River.
The county encompasses a
total area of 533 square miles
with a population of 22,702
(2010 US Census estimate).
The primary industries in
the county are agriculture,
manufacturing, and services.
The county seat is located in
the largest city in the county Yankton (population 14,532).
Proudly Built By
Hard-Working Americans.
Schuurmans Farm Supply
5 Miles West of Tyndall on Hwy. 50 – Corner of Hwys. 50 and 37
Ph. (605) 589-3909 or Cell (605) 464-1113
www.schuurmansfarmsupply.com
YANKTON COUNTY GUIDE 2018v7