Speculation and Conflict:
The Rise of Sioux Falls

Speculation and Conflict

The Rise of Sioux Falls is the story of the early town of Sioux Falls. This chronological look at Sioux Falls from 1856 to 1883 investigates events including land speculation in the Big Sioux River valley, the building of Fort Sod, the later abandonment of the settlement, the arrival of the military and construction of Fort Dakota, and the rise of a progressive city. This exhibit includes unusual artifacts, hands-on activities for families, and audio recordings of historic letters, all of which create a dynamic setting from which to explore the first 30 years in the history of South Dakota's largest city.

 

 

 

 

Cabinet of Curiosities:
A Look at Sioux Falls' First Museum

A Cabinet of Curiosities

A Look at Sioux Falls' First Museum recreates a vignette of the museum Richard Pettigrew built in 1923, exhibiting artifacts originally displayed in his museum. Mr. Pettigrew's museum was a conglomeration of objects collected in local archaeological excavations with his brother Fred, objects collected on his travels around the world, and objects traded with other collectors and researchers worldwide. Displaying intriguing pieces such as a walrus skin kayak, prehistoric stone tools, geological specimens, historic guns, and original photos, the exhibit portrays an earlier type of museum, one that showcased objects for their uniqueness rather than as  interpretative tools used for educational purposes.

 

 

 

A City on Track:
R. F. Pettigrew and the Railroads

A City on Track

Sioux Falls residents realized as early as 1873 that their town needed railroad connections if it was to prosper.  Persuading multiple railroads to lay down track to a single town identified that a community was a leader in its region.  Richard Franklin Pettigrew and his contemporaries had the foresight to bring several railroads to Sioux Falls, which greatly contributed to the city’s development.  By 1888, Sioux Falls could boast five independent railroad lines.  From the building of the railroads themselves, to the goods that could be transported to and from a larger market, the tracks and ties brought new jobs, businesses, and industry to the growing city.