Minnehaha county is situated in the southeastern part of Dakota, on the Minnesota State line, and embraces about 810 square miles, or 523,240 acres.
Minnehaha is one of the best-watered counties in the Territory. The Big Sionx river is the principal stream, and it furnishes the most effective water-power of any in Dakota. The Split Rock and Skunk rivers are also important streams. A considerable number of small lakes are scattered about the county, the largest of which is Clear Lake.
The surface principally consists of rolling prairie, and the soil a deep, rich loam, which is particularly adapted to the growth of nutritious grasses, as well as cereals and vegetables.
Much native timber is found, and the farmers are rapidly and successfully planting various foreign varieties.
Ample freight facilities are afforded by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, and the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways.
Sioux Falls, the county seat, is situated in the southern part of the county, and occupies an elevation of 1,413 feet above the level of the sea. Its population is bet ween 6,000 and 7,000, and constantly increasing.
The city takes its name from its proximity to the celebrated Falls of the Big Sioux river, along the sinuous banks of which it is picturesquely located. The general course of the river is south, but its direction through this township is to every part of the compass, flowing north through the city, and finding its way through the granite, quartzlike rocks that mark its banks. Just below the business portion of the city is Brookings Island, covered with choice timber. An inexhaustible source of wealth is the vast deposit of Jasper stone, or Big Sioux quartzite, a species of indestructible granite which is being extensively employed for building, paving and ornamental purposes.
Church property in Sioux Falls at present represents an aggregate value of $75,000. The total school property is also valued at $50,000. There are three large school buildings, in which thirteen teachers are employed, under thorough and efficient supervision. A vert Important factor is the location of the Dakota College (Baptist) at Sioux Falls. This Institution has recently commenced operations, its curriculum embracing all the higber branches of learning taught in the first-class colleges of the East. A magnificent school building, erected by the Protestant Episcopal Church, aided by private enterprise, is also nearing completion, and will cost about $25,000. It is also probable that the Scandinavian Theological Seminary, now located at Chicago, will shortly be removed to Sioux Falls.
The Dakota Penitentiary, a massive structure of jasper stone, is located upon a high bluff, 320 feet from the Big Sioux river, about one mile north of the city. The penitentiary, completed, has cost $100,000, the expense being equally divided between the Territorial and Federal governments. The Dakota Deaf and Dumb Asylum, east of the river, has been in existence a number of years. An additional appropriation of $12,000 is being expended upon its improvement.
There are three National banks and one private bank in Sioux Falls, all of which rank with the leading banking institutions of the Northwest. Gas-works have been erected, and are now in successful operation. The city has also a telephone exchange, a fire, department, with steam fire-engine and hook and ladder company, a well-regulated police force, music and literary societies, a cornet band, and three newspapers—one daily.
In 1883, $670,350 was expended in improvements, among which is the Masonic Temple, costing $60,000. The building is 66 x 121 feet, built of brick, on the corner of Phillips avenue and Tenth street, three stories high above basement, with mansard roof. The first story, fifteen feet, finished into store-rooms: second story, twelve feet, used for offlces; third story, twenty and one-half feet, to be devoted to the use of the Masonic fraternity. The building is magnificent for a town of the size of Sioux. Falls, and is elegantly finished and an ornament to the Queen City.
The splendid natural water-power afforded at this point is utilized to great advantage, and manufacturing is an important industry. Two large flouring mills, mammoth elevatow, extensive stone quarries and numerous foundries are in successful operation. Many fine hotels, upwards of one hundred brick stores and public buildings, numerous and costly residences, all these serve to exhibit the wealth and enterprise of the citizens. The city has more than thirty miles of improved streets. The two railroads mentioned above intersect at this point, furnishing abundant transportation facilities. There are several quite important and very flourishing towns in the county, among which may be mentioned Dell Rapids, Valley Springs, Hartford, Brandon, Taopi and St. Olaf.
