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Hutchinson County in South Dakota is a rural county with an interesting history. Here are seven facts that will give you a glimpse into the county's past.
1. One of the county's largest towns, Olivet, was named after an ancient city in Israel. Olivet was founded in 1873 and named by a group of religious settlers who sought to establish a community based on the principles of their faith.
2. A famous Native American chief, Sitting Bull, was arrested in Hutchinson County in 1890. Sitting Bull was leading the resistance against the U.S. government's efforts to force Native Americans onto reservations. He was arrested by federal agents and taken to a military post in Fort Yates, North Dakota, where he was killed.
3. The first hydroelectric dam in South Dakota was built in Hutchinson County. The Menno Dam was constructed in 1902 on the James River to provide power to the town of Menno. The dam is still in use today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
4. Hutchinson County was the site of several notorious murders in the early 20th century. One of the most famous cases was the murder of Clara Olson, a teacher who was killed in her classroom in 1922. The case was never solved, and there were several suspects, but no one was ever charged.
5. The county was heavily impacted by the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. High winds and drought created massive dust storms that destroyed crops and made it difficult to farm. Many people left the area during this time, and the county's population declined.
6. One of the largest private employers in the county is Avera Health, a regional healthcare provider. Avera has a hospital and several clinics in Hutchinson County and is a major contributor to the local economy.
7. Hutchinson County is home to several interesting landmarks, including the Schade Brewery Building in Parkston. The building was constructed in 1908 and is a rare example of a pre-Prohibition brewery building in South Dakota. It is now used as a community center and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
These are just a few of the many interesting facts about Hutchinson County's history. From religious settlements to famous arrests and the Dust Bowl, the county has a rich and varied past that is still felt today.
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