Deuel County is a county located in the northeastern part of South Dakota. The county was named after James Deuel, a territorial legislator.
1. The county was established in 1862, but was dissolved and later re-established in 1878. It was one of the first counties in the Dakota Territory.
2. The first settlers were mostly Norwegian and Danish immigrants. They established farms and brought with them their cultural traditions including foods, music, and language. Today, the county still celebrates its Scandinavian heritage with events like the Danish Days festival.
3. The county’s first courthouse was a converted log cabin in the town of Clear Lake. In 1889, a new courthouse was built in Clear Lake, which is still used today.
4. In 1927, Deuel County experienced a major flood that caused extensive damage throughout the area. The flood was caused by heavy rainfall and melted snow, and it destroyed many farms, bridges, and buildings.
5. During World War II, the county was home to a prisoner of war camp that held German prisoners. The camp was located near Gary and provided work for the prisoners in local farms and businesses.
6. Deuel County is home to Lake Cochrane, a popular recreational lake for fishing and boating. The lake is shared with neighboring Minnesota and is known for its clear water and sandy beaches.
7. In 1966, Deuel County experienced a tornado that killed one person and destroyed many homes and buildings. The tornado had wind speeds of up to 300 miles per hour and was classified as an F5, the highest rating on the Fujita scale.
Overall, Deuel County has a rich history that is worth exploring. From its early Scandinavian settlers to its modern-day recreational activities, the county has something for everyone.
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