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7 Interesting Facts about McPherson County in South Dakota History
McPherson County is a county located in the northern part of South Dakota. It was named after General James B. McPherson, who was a Union general during the American Civil War. The county was established in 1873 and has a rich and interesting history. Here are some lesser-known facts about McPherson County.
1. McPherson County was home to the Redfield State Hospital for the Insane
In 1901, the South Dakota legislature established the Redfield State Hospital for the Insane in McPherson County. At its peak, the hospital housed over 2,000 patients and was the largest employer in the county. The hospital closed in 2004 due to budget cuts.
2. McPherson County was the location of the Glacial Lakes Sanitarium
In the early 1900s, the Glacial Lakes Sanitarium was established in McPherson County. The sanitarium was a place for patients suffering from tuberculosis to live and receive treatment. The building still stands today, though it has been repurposed as a nursing home.
3. McPherson County was home to the largest grain elevator in the world
In the 1920s, McPherson County was home to the largest grain elevator in the world. The elevator was owned by the Farmers Elevator Company and held over three million bushels of grain. The elevator had over 192 bins and 14 miles of conveying equipment.
4. McPherson County is the birthplace of Olympic champion Billy Mills
Billy Mills was born in Pine Ridge, a community located in McPherson County. Mills is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and won a gold medal in the 10,000-meter race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
5. McPherson County is home to one of the largest wind farms in South Dakota
In 2003, a 50-megawatt wind farm was built in McPherson County. The wind farm has 27 turbines that can generate enough energy to power over 15,000 homes. The wind farm was expanded in 2009, adding an additional 51 turbines.
6. McPherson County is home to Eureka, the Goose Hunting Capital of South Dakota
Every fall, thousands of hunters flock to McPherson County to take part in the annual goose hunting season. Eureka, a city located in McPherson County, is known as the Goose Hunting Capital of South Dakota.
7. McPherson County is home to the town of Leola, which has a unique claim to fame
The town of Leola, which is located in McPherson County, has a unique claim to fame. The town has the only traffic light in McPherson County. It is said to be a bit of a novelty and a point of pride for the people who live there.
In conclusion, McPherson County may not be one of South Dakota's most well-known counties, but it has a rich and interesting history. From the largest grain elevator in the world to the birthplace of Olympic champion Billy Mills, McPherson County has plenty of interesting facts for history buffs to explore.
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