Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845 - 1917)
N 43° 31.990 W 096° 43.403
14T E 683953 N 4822542
Melvin Grigsby had a long & storied army career. He arrived in Sioux Falls in 1872 and was active in local government & politics. He built his home on Boulevard St. now known as 21st St.
Waymark Code: WMC87
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 05/09/2006
Views: 29
Melvin Grigsby had a long & storied army career. He arrived in Sioux Falls in 1872 and was active in local government & politics. He built his home on Boulevard St. (now known as 21st St.) at the northwest corner of McKennan Park hoping to boom a housing development. His life reflected the optimism & cavalier spirit of his time.
Some of Grigsby's History - 1898 -The Spanish-American War is fought. The Ist South Dakota Infantry is called into federal service and is sent to the Philippines. The regiment misses the fighting against the Spanish, but does see combat during the early months of the Philippine Insurrection in 1899. Besides the infantry regiment, South Dakota contributed five troops to the 3rd U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, commanded by Col. Melvin Grigsby of Sioux Falls. The 3rd Cavalry spent the entire war in training camps in the United States.
The McKennan Historic District
The fine homes of this district are oriented around historic McKennan Park, a pleasant and popular gathering spot. Although the land in the area was platted early on, most of the historic residences developed from 1915 to 1935. Historic home styles are greatly varied and representative of the period. They include Prairie School, Mediterranean, Georgian, Tudor, Bungalow, Dutch Colonial, and other vernacular styles.
Earliest efforts to develop the area came in 1883 with the platting of the Boulevard Addition by Colonel Melvin Grigsby and Helen McKennan. Boulevard Street, now called 21st Street, remains a distinctive feature of the historic district. An attractively landscaped boulevard runs down the middle of 21st Street, bordered by a landmark park and well maintained homes with carefully manicured yards.
Marker Name: Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917)
Marker Type: City
Marker Text:
Grisby
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