Codington County, South Dakota
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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.
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