Hanson County, South Dakota

Hanson County

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Hanson County was created and organized in 1871. The county seat was temporarily located at Old Fort James and named Rockport. The first election was held in 1873 with 16 votes being cast. The county was named for Major Joseph R. Hanson, (1837 - 1917). He was born in Lancaster, New Hampshire and came to Dakota Territory in 1858. He was one of the first to settle on the Yankton townsite and throughout his life was a leader in all matters of civic betterment. Served in the Territorial Government. He was an Indian Agent for the Sioux 1865-1870 at Crow Creek.

Court House

Court House

History of Court House

This courthouse is the third Hanson County Courthouse at this site. The first courthouse built in 1885 served until it was destroyed by an accidental fire on October 6, 1901. The second courthouse, built in 1904, served until it was demolished on November 1, 2008, after the building became structurally unsound.

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Assistant State Coordinator, Linda Ziemann

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