Cities and Towns in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota
Founded in 1875, Oglala Lakota County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Oglala Lakota County was formed from Fall River County. The city of is the county seat. With FIPS code of 102, Oglala Lakota County has a population of 13,586 and area of 2,094 square miles (5,423 km²).
Major Cities and Towns in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota
Pine Ridge, South Dakota
Location and History
Pine Ridge is a small community located in the central part of Oglala Lakota County in southwestern South Dakota. It serves as the administrative center for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which is home to the Oglala Lakota Tribe, a division of the Lakota people. Established in the late 19th century, Pine Ridge became a key settlement after the U.S. government designated the area as a reservation for the Lakota Sioux following the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. Over the years, Pine Ridge has faced numerous challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and social issues, as the reservation’s economy has struggled due to limited resources and a lack of infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Pine Ridge remains a culturally significant location, deeply rooted in Lakota history and traditions. The community was notably the site of the 1973 Wounded Knee Incident, a 71-day occupation led by Native American activists protesting government treatment of the Lakota people, which brought national attention to the issues faced by Native Americans.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pine Ridge is served by the Oglala Lakota County School District, which includes the Pine Ridge High School and several elementary and middle schools that serve the Native American population. The district is focused on providing quality education while incorporating Native American culture into the curriculum. Notable landmarks in Pine Ridge include the Wounded Knee Massacre site, where over 200 Lakota men, women, and children were killed by U.S. Army troops in 1890, an event that marks a significant chapter in Native American history. The Wounded Knee Memorial is a place of reflection for visitors. Other landmarks include the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation itself, which offers visitors a glimpse into Lakota culture and the community’s resilience. Additionally, the Oglala Lakota College, which has campuses throughout the reservation, provides higher education and vocational training to tribal members.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 3,200 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57770
- Latitude: 43.0497° N
- Longitude: 102.4844° W
Manderson, South Dakota
Location and History
Manderson is a small town located in the southwestern part of Oglala Lakota County, near the western border of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The town was established in the early 1900s and has since remained a quiet, rural community primarily serving the surrounding Lakota population. Manderson’s history is intertwined with the development of the reservation, which was formed following the signing of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. Like many communities on the reservation, Manderson has faced economic challenges due to limited resources, historical trauma, and systemic poverty. However, Manderson is also home to strong community ties and a deep cultural heritage rooted in the Lakota people. The town remains a hub for agricultural activities, and its proximity to the Black Hills provides an ideal setting for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Manderson is part of the Oglala Lakota County School District, with students attending the Manderson School, which offers elementary and middle school education. The school emphasizes both academic learning and the preservation of Lakota traditions and language. Notable landmarks in Manderson include the Sacred Heart Church, a significant cultural and religious center for the local Lakota people. The church is important not only for its religious significance but also for its role in fostering community events and gatherings. Manderson’s rural setting offers access to outdoor activities, and the surrounding Black Hills and Badlands are popular destinations for those interested in hiking, camping, and cultural tourism. Manderson also plays a role in the broader Pine Ridge Reservation, where Lakota culture, art, and history continue to thrive.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: 500 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57756
- Latitude: 43.2446° N
- Longitude: 102.4543° W
Allen, South Dakota
Location and History
Allen is a small, rural community located in the eastern part of Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, near the edge of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The town has historically been an agricultural hub, serving as a small service center for local ranchers and farmers. The area was settled during the late 1800s and early 1900s, following the establishment of the Pine Ridge Reservation. While Allen is not as populous as other towns in Oglala Lakota County, it holds historical importance due to its location on the reservation and its connection to the Lakota Sioux people. The town has faced many of the same challenges as other rural communities on the reservation, including high unemployment rates and limited economic opportunities. Despite this, Allen is home to a resilient community and remains a place where Lakota culture is an integral part of daily life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Allen is part of the Oglala Lakota County School District, and local children attend the Allen School, which serves as an educational institution for both elementary and middle school students. The school provides academic instruction while also focusing on Lakota language and cultural preservation. Notable landmarks in the area include the nearby Red Shirt Table, a hill that offers panoramic views of the reservation and is considered a sacred site by the Lakota people. The Red Shirt Table area is also a popular destination for hiking and cultural reflection. While Allen itself is a small town, its connection to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and the rich history of the Lakota people makes it an important cultural landmark within the county.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.1 square miles
- Population: 100 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57714
- Latitude: 43.1712° N
- Longitude: 102.4725° W
Oglala, South Dakota
Location and History
Oglala is a small community located in the central part of Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The town’s name comes from the Oglala Lakota Tribe, one of the seven subtribes of the Lakota Nation. Oglala has a deep cultural significance for the Lakota people, as it was historically a gathering place for the tribe’s leaders and families. Like other towns on the reservation, Oglala has faced challenges related to economic development, healthcare access, and education. However, Oglala remains a vital part of the Pine Ridge community, with its residents deeply committed to maintaining and celebrating Lakota traditions and cultural practices. The town was once a hub for trade and farming but has since seen a decline in population and infrastructure, as many of the younger generation seek opportunities in larger towns and cities. Oglala continues to be a place where Native American traditions and the Lakota language are actively preserved.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oglala is served by the Oglala Lakota County School District, which includes several educational facilities, such as the Oglala Community School. This school focuses on providing quality education while incorporating Lakota culture into its curriculum. The Oglala Lakota College, with its campus in the nearby town of Kyle, offers higher education opportunities for tribal members. Key landmarks in Oglala include the Oglala Lakota Tribal headquarters, which serves as a focal point for tribal governance and leadership. The Pine Ridge Reservation itself is home to several sacred and historical sites, including Wounded Knee, where the 1890 massacre of Lakota people occurred. Oglala also offers access to outdoor activities in the surrounding Black Hills, known for their natural beauty and cultural significance.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: 1,000 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57764
- Latitude: 43.2479° N
- Longitude: 102.7747° W
