Cities and Towns in Potter County, South Dakota
Founded in 1875, Potter County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Potter County was formed from Buffalo County. The city of Gettysburg is the county seat. With FIPS code of 107, Potter County has a population of 2,475 and area of 866 square miles (2,243 km²).
Major Cities and Towns in Potter County, South Dakota
Gettysburg, South Dakota
Location and History
Gettysburg, the county seat of Potter County, is located in the central part of South Dakota, approximately 25 miles north of the Missouri River and 50 miles southeast of Pierre. Founded in 1880, Gettysburg was established along the rail line of the Chicago and North Western Railway. The town was named after Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in homage to the famous Civil War battle. The area quickly became a key trading post and transportation center for settlers in the region, largely due to its proximity to fertile agricultural land and the railroad. By the early 20th century, Gettysburg had grown into a thriving community, with businesses, schools, and churches serving a growing population. Throughout the years, the town remained primarily agricultural, with farming and ranching continuing to be the backbone of its economy. In the 21st century, Gettysburg has seen population fluctuations as agricultural practices have changed, but it remains a central hub for farming and ranching in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gettysburg is served by the Gettysburg School District, which includes Gettysburg High School, Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district provides a wide range of educational opportunities and extracurricular activities, including sports teams, music programs, and clubs. Notable landmarks in Gettysburg include the Potter County Courthouse, a historic building that houses the county’s governmental offices. The town is also home to the Gettysburg Historical Museum, which highlights the area’s history, from Native American heritage to early pioneer life. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the nearby Lake Oahe, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, offering boating, fishing, and camping opportunities. The James River runs through the area, providing additional recreational opportunities such as kayaking and birdwatching. The annual Potter County Fair, held in Gettysburg, celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with a rodeo, carnival, and livestock exhibitions, making it a popular event for both locals and visitors.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: 1,200 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57442
- Latitude: 44.5402° N
- Longitude: 99.9924° W
Highmore, South Dakota
Location and History
Highmore is located in the southeastern part of Potter County, South Dakota, approximately 18 miles southwest of Gettysburg and about 30 miles east of Pierre. The town was founded in the late 1800s as a railroad stop, with the first settlers arriving in the 1880s. Highmore was named after the high hills that surround the area, providing scenic views of the surrounding plains. Early settlers were drawn to the fertile land, and agriculture quickly became the economic backbone of the town. Highmore also benefited from its position along the rail line, which facilitated the transportation of goods, particularly grain, to larger markets. The town grew rapidly during its early years, with businesses, schools, and churches serving the growing population. However, as farming practices became more mechanized and many rural areas saw population declines, Highmore experienced a reduction in size and population. Despite this, Highmore continues to maintain a rural charm and strong ties to its agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Highmore is served by the Highmore-Harrold School District, which includes Highmore High School, Harrold School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its strong academic programs and sports teams, particularly its competitive basketball and track programs. Landmarks in Highmore include the Potter County Veterans Memorial, a monument dedicated to honoring local veterans. The town also features a community center that hosts local events, including the annual Highmore Days festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with a parade, live music, and a carnival. Nearby, the Missouri River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. The scenic countryside around Highmore is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching, particularly along the riverbanks and surrounding prairies. Highmore’s close-knit community and agricultural roots make it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: 1,200 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57345
- Latitude: 44.4159° N
- Longitude: 99.6439° W
Lebanon, South Dakota
Location and History
Lebanon is a small town located in the northwestern part of Potter County, approximately 20 miles northeast of Gettysburg. Established in the early 1900s, Lebanon was founded as a rural farming community that attracted settlers from the Midwest. The town was named after Lebanon, Ohio, and like many small towns in South Dakota, Lebanon grew quickly with the advent of the railroad, which provided access to larger markets for the area’s agricultural products. Lebanon has remained a quiet agricultural town throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, with its economy heavily dependent on farming, particularly wheat, corn, and livestock. Over the years, the town’s population has remained small but stable, and it continues to maintain its rural charm. Although Lebanon is not as well-known as other towns in the county, it plays an important role in the regional agricultural network.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lebanon is part of the Potter County School District, with students attending schools in Gettysburg or the nearby rural schools. The district is known for providing a solid education, despite the town’s small size. Major landmarks in Lebanon include the Lebanon Community Center, which serves as a hub for local events and social gatherings. The town also features the Lebanon City Park, a small green space with picnic areas, a playground, and sports fields. The surrounding farmland offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. Lebanon’s proximity to the Missouri River provides additional recreational opportunities, particularly for those interested in water sports or nature walks along the riverbanks. While Lebanon remains small, its strong agricultural foundation and close-knit community continue to make it an important part of Potter County.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: 75 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57455
- Latitude: 44.6992° N
- Longitude: 99.8511° W
Onida, South Dakota
Location and History
Onida, located in the western part of Potter County, South Dakota, is situated about 15 miles southwest of Gettysburg. The town was founded in 1906 and quickly became a central part of the local agricultural economy. Onida is named after a character from a popular novel at the time, and the town grew rapidly in its early years as settlers arrived to farm the fertile land in the area. The town was an important stop along the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, and its proximity to the Missouri River provided easy access to transportation and trade. Agriculture—particularly grain farming—was the driving force behind Onida’s economy, and it remains central to the town’s livelihood today. Although Onida saw its population peak in the early 20th century, it remains a small but vibrant community with a strong rural identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Onida is served by the Sully Buttes School District, which includes Sully Buttes High School and several elementary schools. The district is known for offering a range of academic programs as well as extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and 4-H clubs. Major landmarks in Onida include the Sully County Courthouse, which houses local government offices, and the Onida City Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities such as picnicking, sports, and family gatherings. The town also features a small museum dedicated to the local history of Onida and Sully County, highlighting the area’s Native American heritage, early settlement, and agricultural development. The Missouri River, just a few miles away, provides a scenic backdrop for the town and offers recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Onida is also home to several local businesses and the annual Onida Rodeo, which brings visitors from all over the region.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 1,000 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57564
- Latitude: 44.5472° N
- Longitude: 99.9824° W
