History

History of Yankton County

Yankton County played an early and important role in the history of Dakota Territory and the state of South Dakota.

Bordered on the south by the Missouri River, the county is named for the Yankton band of Sioux Indians who lived in the area since the early 1700s. Pierre Dorion was the first non-native person to reside here. Dorion married a Yankton Sioux woman 20 years before the arrival of Lewis and Clark in 1804.

The first known white woman to visit Yankton County was Pelagie LaBarge, traveling on the Missouri River in 1847 on a steamboat piloted by her husband. Major William Lyman was the first known white settler in Yankton County in 1857. Lyman established a ferry across the James River along with a small trading post.

In 1861, the territorial government was established with the City of Yankton designated as the first capital of Dakota Territory. The year 1861 also saw the first official newspaper, “The Weekly Dakotian,” published in Yankton. Steamboat trade flourished here until 1873 when the first railroad line connected Yankton and Sioux City, Iowa.

The first school, held in the home of Dr. Abram Van Osdel, opened in December of 1862. Governor Howard selected Yankton County as the site for the hospital for the insane in September of 1878. Yankton lost the fight to retain the status of Territorial Capital in 1883 when the capital was moved to Bismarck, ND.

The rich history of Yankton County is preserved through many landmark buildings, historical sites and the written word.

Announcements

Yankton County Planning & Zoning
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Yankton County Commission is accepting applications for two positions on the Yankton County Planning Commission. To find out more information or to apply for a position, please visit the Planning and Zoning page

Yankton County
Saturday, March 2, 2024

The Yankton County Government Center and all other Yankton County non-emergency offices will be closed on Friday, March 29th, 2024 and Monday, April 1st, 2024 to spend the Easter holiday with our loved ones.

Yankton County Treasurer
Friday, March 1, 2024

Reminder:
Yankton County residents that have last names starting with F, G and J have until March 31, 2024 to renew vehicle registration.

Yankton County Treasurer
Friday, March 1, 2024

Reminder:
The Elderly & Disabled Tax Assessment Freeze Application is due by April 1st, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact our office for more information.

Yankton County Auditor
Thursday, February 29, 2024

Now is the perfect time to double check your voter information for the upcoming elections. You can check your voter information on the Secretary of State's Website or you can stop by our office to make any changes.

Also the Absentee Request Form is available at this time you can complete with our office.

Yankton County Highway
Wednesday, November 15, 2023

The Yankton County Highway Department will begin their winter hours on Monday, November 20, 2023 and will run until further notice.

Winter hours are Monday through Friday 6:45am-3:00pm.

Main Phone:
(605) 260-4400

Address:
321 West 3rd Street, Suite 100 Yankton, SD 57078

Office Hours:
9:00am - 5:00pm CST, Monday-Friday
Closed on Holidays, Saturdays, & Sundays

Yankton County YouTube Channel

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