Fall River County, located in the southwestern corner of South Dakota, has a rich and vibrant history. Here are seven interesting facts about this county:
1. Fall River County played a significant role in the development of the Black Hills region as gold was discovered in the area in the late 1800s. Prospectors flocked to the region, and the mining industry had a profound impact on the local economy.
2. One of the most notable figures in the history of Fall River County is Mamie Eisenhower, the wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mamie spent many summers at her family's home in the Black Hills, and her presence helped put the region on the map as a tourist destination.
3. In the early 20th century, Fall River County was a popular destination for people seeking relief from tuberculosis. The county's natural hot springs were believed to have healing properties, and many sanitariums were established in the area to treat the disease.
4. Fall River County has a rich Native American history. The Lakota Sioux people have long lived in the area, and the county is home to important sites, such as the Ghost Dance site at Wounded Knee.
5. During the 1930s, Fall River County was home to a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. The CCC was a New Deal program that put young men to work on public projects, such as building trails and roads and improving national parks.
6. In the 1950s, Fall River County was the site of a mysterious UFO incident. A group of five Air Force officers claimed to have seen a UFO crash near the town of Edgemont, leading to speculation and debate for years to come.
7. Today, Fall River County is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including the Mammoth Site, a fossil excavation site that has yielded some of the largest and best-preserved mammoth remains in the world.
In conclusion, Fall River County may be a small area but it has a remarkably diverse and rich history. From the impact of mining on the local economy to the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, this county's past is fascinating and full of surprises.
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