Cities and Towns in Marshall County, South Dakota
Founded in 1885, Marshall County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Marshall County was formed from Day County. The city of Britton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 91, Marshall County has a population of 4,304 and area of 839 square miles (2,173 km²).
List of all cities in Marshall County, SD alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Amherst, SD | 57421 | 605 |
| Britton, SD | 57430 | 605 |
| Eden, SD | 57232 | 605 |
| Hillhead, SD | 57270 | 605 |
| Kidder, SD | 57430 | 605 |
| Lake City, SD | 57247 | 605 |
| Langford, SD | 57454 | 605 |
| Newark, SD | 57430 | 605 |
| Red Iron Lake, SD | 57247 | 605 |
| Spain, SD | 57430 | 605 |
| Sunset Colony, SD | 57430 | 605 |
| Veblen, SD | 57270 | 605 |
Major Cities and Towns in Marshall County, South Dakota
Britton, South Dakota
Location and History
Britton is the county seat of Marshall County, located in the northeastern part of South Dakota, approximately 30 miles south of the North Dakota border. The town was founded in 1880 and named after the prominent local figure, Daniel J. Britton. Britton was established as a railroad town, benefiting from the expansion of the railroad system across the Great Plains. The railroad was integral in the early growth of the town, facilitating the transport of agricultural goods like wheat, corn, and cattle. As a result, Britton quickly became a central hub for local farmers and traders. The town’s population grew steadily, and by the late 19th century, Britton was incorporated. While Britton’s economy has historically been tied to agriculture, it has diversified over the years with small businesses, local government services, and tourism. Today, Britton remains a central service point for the surrounding rural areas, offering a peaceful, rural lifestyle while being relatively close to larger regional centers like Aberdeen and Fargo, North Dakota.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Britton is served by the Britton-Hecla School District, which includes Britton High School and Hecla School, both known for their strong academic programs and sports teams. The district offers a variety of extracurricular activities, with a focus on community involvement. Key landmarks in Britton include the Marshall County Courthouse, which serves as both the governmental heart of the county and a historic site in the town. The town also features the Britton City Park, a well-maintained space for picnics, sports, and family events. The nearby Waubay Lake offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors. The town celebrates its agricultural heritage annually with events like the Britton Fair, which includes rodeos, livestock shows, and carnival attractions. The local museum in Britton showcases the town’s history, including its development as a railroad community and its role in the agricultural economy.
Key Statistics
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: 1,300 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57430
- Latitude: 45.7054° N
- Longitude: 97.5269° W
Veblen, South Dakota
Location and History
Veblen is a small town located in the southwestern part of Marshall County, South Dakota, near the border with North Dakota. It was founded in 1886 and named after the famous economist and sociologist, Thorstein Veblen, who was born in the area. The town was established as a railroad community and became an important stop for the Northern Pacific Railway, which helped support local agriculture and trade. Veblen’s economy has been centered around farming, with crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans being cultivated in the surrounding rural areas. Over the years, Veblen has seen slow population growth and faced the challenges of rural depopulation, but it remains an active and close-knit community. Veblen’s rich agricultural history and connections to the railroad have shaped its identity as a rural service town that supports the farming community in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Veblen is served by the Veblen School District, which includes a K-12 public school. The district is well-regarded for its commitment to providing a quality education with a strong focus on community involvement. Veblen’s landmarks include the Veblen Community Hall, which serves as a gathering place for local events, including community meetings and social activities. The town is also home to several parks and green spaces, which provide recreational opportunities for residents. One notable landmark near Veblen is the nearby Sica Hollow State Park, a popular spot for hiking, camping, and nature photography. Sica Hollow is known for its scenic beauty, with lush forests, wildlife, and a historic story related to the Native American tribes of the area. Veblen also hosts several annual events, such as the Veblen Days, where locals celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage with parades, games, and local food. The town’s quiet, rural setting and proximity to natural attractions make it an appealing place for nature lovers and those seeking a small-town lifestyle.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 125 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57270
- Latitude: 45.6986° N
- Longitude: 97.4593° W
New Hope, South Dakota
Location and History
New Hope is a very small unincorporated community located in the eastern part of Marshall County, South Dakota. It was established as a rural settlement in the late 19th century. New Hope, like many small rural communities in South Dakota, was primarily founded to serve the needs of local farmers and ranchers. While the area remains sparsely populated, its history is tied to agriculture, particularly wheat farming, which was a primary industry during its early years. New Hope was a vibrant settlement in the early 1900s but has since seen a significant decline in population. Today, it remains a quiet, rural area with scattered homes and farmlands. Its proximity to larger towns like Britton allows residents to access more services and amenities while still maintaining a rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As New Hope is an unincorporated community, it does not have its own school district or notable public landmarks. However, residents of New Hope attend schools in neighboring towns, particularly those in Britton. There are no major historical sites in New Hope, but the surrounding farmland and natural landscapes are a significant part of the town’s charm. The nearby Marshall County parks and the Big Sioux River provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and hunting. Residents of New Hope often engage in agricultural and outdoor-related events, and its rural setting is appreciated by those who enjoy the peace and solitude of the countryside. While the community itself is small, it is part of the larger fabric of Marshall County, which celebrates its history and culture through county fairs and local events.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: <100 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57430
- Latitude: 45.6785° N
- Longitude: 97.4462° W