Jefferson, South Dakota

For a population of only 586 people Jefferson, South Dakota has an impressive history. In and near Jefferson are a few historical sites. These include St. Peter's Catholic Church, Grasshopper Crosses, 14-Mile House, 12 Mile House and the town itself.

St. Peters Catholic Church

Established in 1868, this was the first permanent Catholic parish in the Sioux Falls Diocese. Father Pierre Boucher, said to be South Dakota's first resident Catholic priest, served the parish. The present church was built in 1891. In 1930, Henry Goering came to St. Peter's Church and started the famous painting of the Ascension above the main Altar in the Sanctuary, which is truly a work of art. The figure of Christ is life-size and all the paintings are done with a beauty of the 16th century. Also within the church are many beautiful statues, and the stations of the cross that were brought from Canada in the early days are still hanging in the church. The tall spire and cross can be seen for miles around. The church is visited by many tourists each year. (Highway 105, Jefferson, SD)

Link and photo's;
St Peter's Catholic Church













































Grasshopper Corner

In the 1870's pioneers faced a fierce attack of grasshoppers. The insects covered inch of ground and ate all the vegetation within their path. On a Sunday in May 1876,Father Boucher appealed to a higher source for relief from the grasshoppers for his parishioners. The priest led his congregation on an all-day, eleven mile pilgrimage, placing three crosses in different locations. Though the grasshopper came again in later years, the area within the crosses was never touched. This cross is adjacent to St. Peter's Catholic Church in Jefferson, South Dakota. Another one of the crosses can be seen at the Morin farmstead 4 miles northwest of Jefferson on County Road 1B, and the third cross is on County Road 23 on the Dale Chicoine farm. (Highway 105, Jefferson, SD)

Link and photos;
Grasshopper Crosses













14 Mile House
Built in 1861, this 139 year old historic home is named for its distance from Sioux City, Iowa, which ran to Fort Randall. It was used as a stage stop, tavern, post office and store. It was built by Francis Reandeau, a French-Canadian, who came here from Dubuque. The house is constructed of yellow cottonwood grown near the Missouri River. The logs are chinked with a river sand mixture. The primary house was twenty feet wide by fifty feet long. The home is now a private residence. (County Road 1B 1 1/2 miles northwest of Jefferson, SD)

Link and photos;
14 Mile House









Town of Jefferson and 12 Mile House
The town of Jefferson itself has historical significance. It is on the Historic Missouri River Corridor and very near part of the area where Lewis and Clark travelled through during their expedition. Here are photo's of other historical sites and markers in Jefferson.;