Codington County, South Dakota

Codington County

General Information
Name
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Settlement Type	U.S. county
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Location
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Population
Total	28009
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Standard	UTC
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Codington County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Dakota. Established in 1877, it was named after Rev. George S. S. Codington, a prominent local minister. The county seat and largest city is Watertown.

History

Codington County was officially created in 1877 from parts of the former Hamlin and Clark Counties. The county was primarily settled by European immigrants, with a significant number of people from Germany and Scandinavia. The arrival of the railroads, including the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company, significantly boosted the development of the area.

Geography

The county has a total area of 717 square miles, of which 688 square miles is land and 29 square miles (4.0%) is water. Major bodies of water include Lake Kampeska and Pelican Lake, which are popular recreational areas for residents and visitors.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Codington County was 28,009. The demographic composition was predominantly White, with small percentages of Native American, Hispanic, Black, and Asian residents.

Economy

The economy of Codington County is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. Watertown serves as a regional economic hub, with numerous businesses and services that cater to the surrounding rural areas.

Education

Codington County is served by several school districts, the largest being the Watertown School District. Higher education is provided by Lake Area Technical College, which offers a variety of technical and vocational programs.

Government

The county government is headed by a Board of County Commissioners, which oversees local services such as roads, public safety, and zoning. Watertown, the county seat, operates under a mayor-council form of government.

Attractions

Key attractions in Codington County include the Redlin Art Center, which features works by Terry Redlin, one of America's most popular painters. The Bramble Park Zoo and the Codington County Heritage Museum offer educational and recreational opportunities for families and history enthusiasts.

Transportation

Major highways such as Interstate 29 and U.S. Route 212 facilitate travel and commerce within the county and connect it to broader regional networks.