Page Contents for Elk Point, South Dakota

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Historical Events

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The South Dakota state capital is Pierre.
The population of Elk Point is approximately 1,790 (2000), 1963 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 597 (1990), 770 (2010).
The amount of land area in Elk Point is 3.48 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Elk Point is 1.3 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
The distance from Elk Point to Washington DC is 1110 miles.
The distance to the South Dakota state capital is 227 miles. (as the crow flies)
Elk Point is positioned 42.68 degrees north of the equator and 96.68 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Elk Point elevation is 1,127 feet above sea level.
Elk Point median income is $ 41,157 (2000).
The Elk Point median home price is $ 81,300 (2000).
Elk Point average annual precipitation is 26.3 inches peryear.
Elk Point average annual snowfall is 32 inches per year.
The average winter temperature is 17.5 degrees F.
The average spring temperature is 48.8 degrees F.
The average summer temperature is 72.7 degrees F.
The average fall temperature is 51.1 degrees F.

Location

fifteen miles from Sioux City in the southeast corner of the state. Nearby communities include Jefferson, Vermillion, North Sioux City - all in South Dakota. Also nearby are Ponca, Newcastle, Jackson and Hubbard in Nebraska and Akron in Iowa.
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History & History Related Items

The Lewis & Clark Expedition came through this area on 22 August 1804 where the first election west of the Mississippi was held when Patrick Gass was elected to replace Sgt. Floyd. Elk Point was first settled in 1859 by Eli B. Wixson. Though the Lewis & Clark Expedition journal points out signs of Elk here, the naming of the community cannot be pinpointed. Cole County was formed on April 10, 1862 with Victoria being named the first county seat. Richland followed Victoria when county lines were re-aligned in 1864. Elk Point was named the county seat in 1865. The first courthouse was built in 1867. The building was moved in 1879 where it remained until 1976 when it was replaced by a newer and more safe structure. For more history details, see this history page. Also try this history page for more information.
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The incorporation of Elk Point

1862

Attractions

Lewis & Clark Heritage Days Festival
Held each year in August. See the website for exact dates and more information.
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Elk Point City Government

City of Elk Point
106 W. Pleasant
PO Box 280
Elk Point, SD 57025
Phone: (605) 356-2141

Elk Point Historical Events

1804, August 22
First Election
Elk Point, South Dakota is the site of the first election held west of the Mississippi. Lewis & Clark stopped at a site that is now Elk Point, SD to elect Patrick Gass as the person to replace Sgt. Floyd. Sgt Floyd died of suspected appendicitis at a site where present day Sioux City, Iowa is located. Elk Point

Miscellany

The population of Elk Point was:
1990 - 1,423
2000 - 1,790