<p>Brothers Frank and Lawrence Solari built the theater at a cost of $63,200 (it is not clear whether they were architects or in the theater business). It opened on October 2 to great fanfare with an evening show consisting of several vaudeville acts of musical performers, dancers, comedy, and even posing animals. Tickets cost $5 which was expensive at the time. </p><p>These vaudeville shows continued until 1927 when it was converted into B-movie and second-run theater. Eventually, it was left vacant for a time and it fell into disrepair. This lasted until 1954 when the Sioux Falls Community Playhouse bought it and soon offered five shows each season and hosted touring shows as well. A children and teen theater was established in the 1960s. The theater was then remodeled in the 1970s.</p><p>In 1994, the city bought the building next door and leased it to the Playhouse, which named it the Actor's Studio. The Playhouse used this extra space for performances and as rented space. This arrangement lasted until 2003 when the city bought both buildings and contracted a managing company, called SMG, to operate the whole facility, which was renamed The Orpheum Theater Center. </p>

The Orpheum Theater was built in 1913 and is the oldest theater in the city still standing.

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Built in just a little more than three months in 1913, the Orpheum Theater is the oldest existing theater in the city. Designed combining Neo-Classical Revival and Prairie architectural styles, it has remained an important cultural focal point for Sioux Falls ever since. The two-story building features a terra-cotta facade that resembles marble and include decorative detailing such as molded trim and garland. Inside, the building features marble wall paneling, tile floors, and murals on the ceiling and frieze areas in the auditorium, which has 1,000 seats. The theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 for its architecture and status as an enduring landmark in the city. The building next door, which was erected in 1949, is part of the theater; both buildings form one facility called the Orpheum Theater Center.  

Orpheum Theater

This short drive or extended walk of Sioux Falls begins at the former public library which was constructed in 1903 and includes landmark churches, courthouses, depots, and other historic downtown buildings as well as the Orpheum Theater and Old Courthouse Museum. The tour concludes at the Pettigrew House and Museum.  

<div><br></div><div><div>In 1901, through the influence of Senator R.F. Pettigrew, Andrew Carnegie offered the City of Sioux Falls $25,000 to build a free public library. Located away from any danger of flooding, and in the center of town, it was intended to serve as a prominent part of the community. The native rose quartzite used to build the structure arrived from local quarries.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The Carnegie Library opened its doors to the public in 1903 and operated as a library until 1972 when it transitioned to become the Carnegie Building, home to the Civic Fine Arts Association. The building houses the Arts Association's collection of art and sculpture until 1999 when they moved to the Visual Arts Center in the Washington Pavilion. Renovations in 2001 allowed the building to serve a third purpose as Carnegie Town Hall, housing the Sioux Falls City Council Chambers, which boasts a state-of-the-art presentation system and the City Council and other government offices.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br></div>Andrew Carnegie arrived to the U.S. in 1848 as a poor, thirteen-year-old Scottish immigrant, but he worked his way through many jobs and eventually amassed a fortune as a steel magnate. He dedicated his later years to philanthropy by donated more than $350 million for the purposes of building schools, hospitals and libraries -- including the one in Sioux Falls.&nbsp;<br><br>The Sioux Falls library (opened, 1903) and named for Andrew Carnegie, stands as a living monument to Carnegie's desire to fund libraries, schools and hospitals. Coming to America as a nearly penniless thirteen-year-old Scottish immigrant, Carnegie worked his way up the ranks as a messenger (telegraph operator) and other jobs until he eventually succeeded working in the railway industry and finally made his fortune as a steel magnate. As he described in his famous 1889 "Gospel of Wealth," he felt it necessary that those who amassed great wealth during the Gilded Age should engage in philanthropic endeavors rather than hoard it -- the Sioux Falls library is one example of his philosophy.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Carnegie represents the romantic idea of the American dream as a land of opportunity. He arrived to the States almost penniless and would have died an incredibly wealthy man, if not for the fact he donated nearly 90% of his wealth. (Though beyond the scope of this summary, it should be noted that his story is not fully regarded as one without sin -- notably with regard to strikebreaking tactics, especially the 1892 Homestead Strike. See the links below for that story, and debate that is attached.)<br><br>His first job, in 1848, involved working at a Pennsylvania cotton mill. However, he taught himself Morse code and, as a result, one year later, left that job one year later to work as a messenger in a Pittsburgh telegraph office. Indeed, he proved to be one of the fastest telegraphers around, which afforded him the opportunity to gain employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad as a private secretary and telegrapher to a railroad official.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Carnegie continued to work his way up the proverbial ladder until he served as superintendent of the Pittsburgh division of the railroad. His investments in what became known as the Pullman Palace Car Company and the local oil lands helped bolster his individual capital. After serving in the War Department under President Lincoln during the Civil war, he took his knowledge of the railways and turned that into a vision of building bridges; he formed a company to produce iron railroad bridges.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Quickly realizing that iron would not endure, he moved onto steel, well before most understood its value. He built a steel mill and ultimately gained tremendous wealth in doing so. Later in life, Carnegie donated more than $350 million (equal to more than $75&nbsp;<i>billion </i>in today's market) to various educational, cultural, and peace institutions, many of which bear his name. And, he endowed more than 2,800 libraries throughout the world, including the one that stands in Sioux Falls.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>

This historic building opened its doors in 1903 and was made possible by local funds and a matching grant from Andrew Carnegie that helped create hundreds of public libraries. The building served as the city's library until 1972. From 1972 to 1999, the building was home to the Civic Arts Center . From 2001 to the present, the building operates as the center of Sioux Falls city government. 

Carnegie Library, Sioux Falls (Carnegie Town Hall)

<p>The congregation itself was founded around 1871 and built its first church, a small wood-frame structure called "God's Barn," in 1879. Before that, the congregation met in a barracks building. The current church was designed by local architect Joseph Schwarz, who also designed other buildings in the city including the former Carnegie Library. The church is a member of the <a href="https://www.ucc.org/" target="_blank">United Church of Christ</a>, which was established in 1957 to join Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, and Reformed denominations. Given its architecture and significance as an important local landmark, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. </p>

Architecturally, First Congregational Church is considered one of the best examples of the Richardsonian Romanesque style in South Dakota. Built in 1907 with quartzite stone, the church features three towers of unequal height (two are located on the front facade and the third is at rear of the building), semi-circular arches, stained glass windows, and other notable decorative details. 

First Congregational Church

<p>The courthouse was built in tense period for South Dakota, which had recently become a state in November 1889. Just a year later, one of the most infamous incidents in American history—the Wounded Knee massacre, which is also known as the Battle of Wounded Knee—occurred on December 29, 1890. A <a href="http://plainshumanities.unl.edu/encyclopedia/doc/egp.war.056" target="_blank">series of events</a> resulted in U.S. Army soldiers massacring around 150-300 Lakota Indians, many of them women and children, on a site along Wounded Knee Creek which is located in western South Dakota near the border with Nebraska (25 soldiers were also killed). The construction of the courthouse was meant to reassure settlers of the federal presence in the state and to encourage more to move there.</p><p>Construction began in 1892 and as noted above, it was completed in 1895. The first expansion occurred in 1911 along with some other changes. A two-story addition on the east side was built in 1931. In 1968, after the post office moved to a new building the courthouse was altered once again. Further renovations occurred in the 1970s, 1980s, and in 2000.</p>

The United States Courthouse in Sioux Falls is historically significant in two ways: it is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, and its construction in 1895 signified the federal government's commitment to westward expansion. In terms of architecture, the building, which was expanded on a few occasions, the building features a rose-colored quartzite stone (also known as jasper) facade, arches, a slate roof, two octagonal turrets, and other decorative elements. The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and has remained an important landmark.

United States Courthouse 

<div>The Carpenter Hotel opened its doors in 1912 and arguably served as Sioux Falls' most popular hotel for decades -- guests ranged from celebrities and dignitaries to farmers and soldiers.&nbsp; Frances Carpenter built the hotel after her husband, Charles, had passed away. As an Eastern U.S. banker who moved to Sioux Falls, Charles invested heavily in the Sioux Falls land and the Stock Yards; he was integral in the development of Sioux Falls.&nbsp;<br><br>The hotel's arrival coincided with a steady increase in Sioux Falls population, much it due to the opening of the John Morrell Meatpacking plant in 1909. From 1900 to 1920, Sioux Falls population rose from a little more than 10,000 to roughly 25,200, much of that from 1910 to 1920 when Sioux Falls boasted of a more than 75% population increase.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The hotel was South Dakota's first masonry hotel. As was the case with many cities, fire often destroyed many early downtown, wooden-framed structures. Thus, the move to masonry allowed hotels like the Carpenter to boast of being "fireproof," made clear by the large, metal sign that adorned the rooftop and jetted outward, proclaiming that it was indeed impervious to fire.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>While the outside contained brick and decor, the first class accommodations inside the building provided to be its biggest draw. When the hotel opened, it boasted 150 rooms (80 with private bath) and a high-class café.&nbsp; The first-floor dining room and ballroom also served as the place for balls, proms, weddings and other social functions.&nbsp; Famous guests at the hotel included Bob Hope; Prince Olaf and the Queen of Norway; Alfred and Lynn Fontanne; Benny Goodman, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey and Bob Chesterfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>But, it should be noted that the hotel served a variety of clientele. For instance, wives of farmers with interests at the Sioux Falls often stayed at the hotel and spent their days dining, shopping or at a movie theater in downtown Sioux Falls. The resultant influx of women paved the way for the opening of Gordon's Beauty salon on the second floor. Other prominent Sioux Falls residents maintained permanent residences on the hotels' 5th and 6th floors. And, in 1926, a portion of the sixth floor also served as the studio home of KSOO radio.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The 1942 construction of the Sioux Falls air base doubled the size of the town from 40,000 to nearly 80,000. And, it profoundly changed how the Carpenter operated. During WWII, five railroads brought in troop trains who stayed in the hotel for six weeks as they trained for various military duties (mostly radio training). During the war, though, the basement billiard hall was converted into a dormitory. Individual cubicles were built and cost $0.50 a night.</div><div><br></div><div>In 1956, the Sheraton Corporation purchased and renovated the hotel and renamed it "The Sherwyn." By the 1970′s the hotel rooms were converted into dormitory rooms for the Nettleton College, a business school. The name changed to Nettelton Manor, but that only lasted until 1983.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Plans in 1992 to tear down the vacant Carpenter Building never materialized due to the high cost attached to its demolition. Two years later, local businessman David Dyke purchased the building and sought to restore it to its original first-class glory. Eventually helped by the city of Sioux Falls, the Carpenter received a facelift that included interior restoration and more than 80 new windows a restored facade. In March of 2015, the Scherschligt Family purchased the Carpenter with the goal to continue the work started by Dyke.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Finally, today, it's owners note: "The Carpenter Building’s impressive structure boasts 21 luxury apartments, a floor of professional businesses and six street-level retail businesses." And, one of its amenities includes the line,&nbsp; "Fireproof, Solid and Quiet Structure," just as it was in 1912.&nbsp;</div>

Built in 1912 by Frances G. Carpenter, the widow of Sioux Falls land developer and stockyards investor, C.C. Carpenter, the building has provided first class accommodations to guests that ranged from farmers and their wives to celebrities and Royal dignitaries. The hotel later housed soldiers during WWII, operated as a college dormitory and was home to KSOO radio station. From its inception, as it does today, it boasts of its luxury, and of its fireproof nature. 

Carpenter Hotel (Carpenter Building)

<p>The construction of the depot in 1885 initiated passenger train service in Sioux Falls. The next year, the city convinced the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railroad to build a line to the city, which was completed in October. The first train arrived on the 26th and the first passenger train arrived the next day. This service sparked Sioux Falls' growth and development as a key commercial center in the state by 1890. Railroads were steadily built throughout South Dakota during the next decade which attracted settlers and started boom towns. The depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places.</p>

Now home to an outdoor store, the former Rock Island Depot is a historic train station built in 1885. A good example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, the depot is mostly one-story tall with a second story on the eastern end and features a hipped roof and an octagonal turret. In addition to its architecture, it is historically significant in that it symbolizes both the rise and fall of passenger train service in Sioux Falls.  

Rock Island Depot

<p>By the time the depot was built, railroading was in its early stages in Sioux Falls. As stated above, the Illinois Central was the fourth railroad to arrive in the city and it contributed to the decades-long period in which railroading was a key part of the local economy. The railroad line was completed on December 19, 1887, well before the depot was finished. Despite this, the last spike to be driven was cause for celebration; the mayor, other city officials, and member of the public came out for the ceremony. Eventually, after train service declined in the mid-20th century (it transitioned from a passenger to a freight depot in the 1950s), the depot was abandoned and fell into disrepair. It was renovated into office space in 1982. The foundation, which was established in 1969, moved into the depot in 2013. </p>

The Illinois Central Passenger Depot is a historic train station built in 1888 that is now home to the Sioux Falls Community Foundation, a local philanthropic organization. The depot is historically significant for its architecture and association with the city's railroading history. As for architecture, the depot is a good example of the Queen Anne style and is somewhat unique in that it is fairly elaborate for such a small building. Like many historic buildings in the city, it was built with quartzite stone and features a tower, low arches over windows and doors, and a canopy that covered what was once the passenger platform. It was built by the Illinois Central Railroad, the fourth railroad to connect to Sioux Falls, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Illinois Central Passenger Depot

<p>In 1916, officers of the Sioux Falls National Bank decided to construct the building in the downtown business district. They not only wanted the building to house the bank, they also wanted to provide office space for the growing number of other professionals in the city. Demand was so high that even before it construction was completed (in June 1918), more than 96% of the office space was leased. When it opened, around 10,000 people came to admire the new building. The new tenants of the building included doctors, dentists, lawyers, and insurance companies. The need for additional space became clear as the 1920s progressed and an addition was built in 1929. </p><p>The building remained an important office building for three decades. However, by the 1960s it was clear that it needed an updated and renovated. Fortunately, in 1976 Great Western Bank decide to buy it so they could relocate to downtown. The bank moved in after renovations were completed. The building became Hotel Phillips in 2018. It still retains some original features including original chandeliers, the original bank vault, and the original terazzo floor in the lounge. </p>

Designed by Chicago architecture firm Weary & Alford, the Sioux Falls National Bank Building is significant for its architecture and its role in the city's economic development in the early 20th century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was built in 1918 and is the only example of the Sullivanesque architectural style left in Sioux Falls. It was also the tallest building in the city until 1986 when the CenturyLink Tower was erected. Today, the former bank building is an upscale hotel called Hotel Phillips. 

Sioux Falls National Bank Building

<p>Richard Pettigrew was born on July 23, 1848 in Vermont to a large family of nine children; he was the sixth child. In 1854, his father, Andrew, moved the family to Rock County in Wisconsin when Pettigrew was six years old. After going to school at Evansville Academy in Evansville, Wisconsin, he attended Beloit College in 1864 and studied there for two years. He then taught for a year while also studying law in Iowa before enrolling at the University of Wisconsin to continue his law studies.</p><p>Pettigrew moved to South Dakota in 1869, settling in Sioux Falls. There, he started to practice law but he also found work as a surveyor. In 1871, he was admitted into the state bar in 1871 and by this time he had also gotten involved in real estate.</p><p>His stature in the community rose during these years and was elected to the territorial legislature (South Dakota was a territory at that time) in 1872 and later became delegate to Congress in 1880. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1889 after South Dakota became a state; he served two terms. Pettigrew promoted the rights of women, farmers, and the working class.</p><p>After failing to be reelected, Pettigrew moved to New York City, where he practiced law and earned more wealth from his business dealings. He lived there for ten years before returning to Sioux Falls where he lived the rest of this life. Despite his success in his adult life, he was dogged by accusations of shady business practices and his changing political views often alienated him. Nonetheless, his impact on Sioux Falls is clear, helping it grow during its early period. Among his accomplishments was attracting the first five railroads to the city and investing in a variety of business that contributed to the city's development.</p><p>He started to collect artifacts on his travels around the world and became an amateur archaeologist, excavating Indian mounds around Sioux Falls. He would later build the addition to the house in 1925 which became the museum. He bequeathed the house to the city and, as mentioned above, another addition was built in 1930 to provide for more exhibit space.</p>

The Pettigrew Home & Museum is a historic house built in 1889 and named after one of the most consequential figures in Sioux Falls' early history, Richard F. Pettigrew (1848-1926), who was instrumental in the city's growth in its early history and served as the state's first U.S. Senator. The home is a contributing property of the Cathedral Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, because of its Queen Anne architecture and association with Pettigrew. It has been a museum since 1925. Visitors can see the house, which has been restored, on guided tours and exhibits that contain artifacts that Pettigrew collected.

Historic Sioux Falls Tour

Orpheum Theater

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources

Additional Information