De Smet, South Dakota

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De Smet, South Dakota
City
Location in Kingsbury County and the state of South Dakota Location in Kingsbury County and the state of South Dakota
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	South Dakota
County	Kingsbury
Founded	1880
Area
• Total	1.32 sq mi (3.4 km2)
• Land	1.32 sq mi (3.4 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation	1,745 ft (532 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	1,056
• Density	800/sq mi (300/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	57231
Area code(s)	605
FIPS code	46-16180
GNIS feature ID	1265620

De Smet is a city in Kingsbury County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 1,056 at the 2020 census. De Smet is known for its historical significance and its association with the Little House on the Prairie series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

History

De Smet was founded in 1880 during the westward expansion of the Chicago and North Western Railway. The city was named after Father Pierre-Jean De Smet, a Belgian Catholic priest and missionary who worked with Native American tribes in the mid-19th century.

Geography

De Smet is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.32 square miles (3.42 km²), all land.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 1,056 people, 478 households, and 282 families residing in the city. The population density was 800 people per square mile (309/km²). The racial makeup of the city was predominantly White, with small percentages of other races.

Economy

The economy of De Smet is primarily based on agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming and related activities. Tourism also plays a significant role due to the city's historical sites and its connection to the Little House on the Prairie series.

Education

De Smet is served by the De Smet School District, which includes De Smet High School. The school district provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Attractions

De Smet is home to several historical sites related to Laura Ingalls Wilder, including the Ingalls Homestead, the Surveyors' House, and the De Smet Cemetery, where several members of the Ingalls family are buried. The city also hosts an annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant.

Notable People

• Laura Ingalls Wilder - Author of the Little House on the Prairie series.
• Rose Wilder Lane - Daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder and a noted author and journalist.

Related Pages

• Kingsbury County, South Dakota
• Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Little House on the Prairie
• Chicago and North Western Railway