Log cabins and significant places in South Dakota are featured in the annual historic preservation issue of “South Dakota History,” the quarterly journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society.
In an article entitled “Storied Structures: Log Cabins in South Dakota,” Chris Nelson focuses on the long tradition of log construction in the state. Beginning with early white settlers in eastern Dakota Territory in the 1860s and eventually spreading to the Black Hills and American Indian reservations, log buildings became a prominent part of South Dakota’s history and lore. The few surviving structures have become a focus of historic preservation efforts and hold important places in the memories of local communities. Nelson is a historic preservation specialist with the State Historic Preservation Office of the South Dakota State Historical Society.
An excerpt from “Picturing the Past: South Dakota’s Historic Places” by Jay D. Vogt and Stephen C. Rogers with photographs by Scott Myers highlights twenty-one places significant to South Dakota’s history. The South Dakota Historical Society Press recently released a fifteenth anniversary reprint edition of this book, which reveals how these historic structures, landscapes, parks, and other spaces serve as icons of the state’s diverse past. Vogt, a South Dakota native, recently retired as director of the South Dakota State Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Officer. Rogers currently works for the National Park Service and is a past director of the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office. Myers is a professional photographer from Columbia, Missouri.
Finally, “A Message from the Retiring Director” is a farewell message from Jay Vogt, who retired as the historical society director on Dec. 8, 2020, after holding that position since 2003, to the journal’s readers. Having worked with the organization since 1987, Vogt leaves a significant legacy to its members.
“South Dakota History” is a benefit of membership in the South Dakota State Historical Society. For information on membership, call 605-773-6000. To purchase individual issues, call 605-773-6009.