History of Valley Springs
Valley Springs: The Front Door to South Dakota
Valley Springs, often called “The Front Door to South Dakota,” was first settled along the Worthington, Yankton, and Fort Randall Trail around 1862. This route, later known as the Military Trail, drew early pioneers until the 1862 Minnesota Indian War forced many to leave. In 1869, four pioneers arrived from the west to resettle the area. By 1872–1873, families had established homesteads along the Military Trail on the high banks of Beaver Creek.
The arrival of the railroad on June 4, 1878, marked a turning point for Valley Springs. Billy Doolittle—who would later serve as mayor of Sioux Falls—was the first to bring an engine into the Dakota Territory town, while George Cassady became its first depot agent. Cassady also operated a nursery and planted the trees that still flourish in Cassady Park today.
With the railroad came growth. A new main street, Broadway, was developed. A historic map in the Valley Springs Museum shows a bustling community featuring four hotels, two blacksmith shops, a bank, numerous stores, a jail, and even a “toe mill” that processed hemp into rope. Large sheep ranches surrounded the town, and at its height, Valley Springs was the largest grain-shipping point in South Dakota. The town also boasted two elevators and a massive four-story, steam-powered Roller Mill—the first of its kind. Operating up to 24 hours a day, the mill produced four flour brands—Gold Medal, Choice Family, Economy, and Dakota Best—that were shipped across the Midwest and beyond. Valley Springs also had a creamery capable of handling 20,000 pounds of milk daily, along with a post office, stockyard, lumberyard, tinsmith, and doctor’s office. Valley Springs had everything a good town needed.
On April 30, 1908, disaster struck when a tornado devastated the east side of town. The Methodist Church was reduced to fragments, though miraculously only one person was injured. Damages totaled about $15,000. Despite the setback, the community rebuilt and continued to thrive.
The town’s history also includes colorful tales of crime and legend. A newly built bank was robbed when thieves blew open the safe, escaping on a railroad handcar before reclaiming horses they had tied near Beaver Valley Church. The infamous James Brothers even passed through Valley Springs after the Northfield, Minnesota bank raid, stopping at the Nelson farm to water their horses—later “borrowing” his horses for their escape.
As the interstate system expanded, small towns like Valley Springs were often bypassed, leading to declines in both tourism and rural trade. Population slipped, but the town never lost its character. Today, Valley Springs remains a welcoming community known for its friendly people, strong school system, and reliable water supply. With its location near the tri-state corner and easy interstate access, Valley Springs carries a rich history—and is well-positioned for a promising future.
City of Valley Springs Museum
Plan a Visit to the Valley Springs Museum
During Booster Days, make time to stop by the Valley Springs Museum, located in the log cabin next to City Hall. Larry and Margaret Long donated the museum to the city in 2004, filling it with a collection of Valley Springs artifacts they gathered over the years.
The building itself has a story to tell—it was originally a gift shop at Fort Yankton, one of several log cabins that once offered souvenirs to visitors of the fort. Today, it continues to share history, serving as a treasured part of Valley Springs’ story.
For even more insight into our past, you can purchase a copy of the Valley Springs Almanac for $5 at the city office—or simply stop by the museum during Booster Days.