The American Legion Cabin in Pierre has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The American Legion was founded at the end of World War I to be a non-political and non-partisan organization to support veterans and to promote “Americanism.” The Pierre group was organized in June of 1919. While most posts were named for a fallen comrade, the local veterans decided on the name “Pierre Post 8” to keep the community’s name at the forefront.
Pierre Post 8 met in several buildings around town, but by 1940, members voted to build their own Legion building. The proposed 1½ story building was to be constructed on the banks of the Missouri River at the foot of Pierre Street and was to be constructed of logs from the Black Hills. Fundraising for the building was not as successful as had been hoped, and the Pierre Post had to borrow $1,000 to complete the building.
Beginning in 1941, the construction of the cabin became a National Youth Administration project. World War II interrupted the NYA’s ability to recruit workers since many had gone to war. The Pierre Post then approved hiring additional workers to complete construction. It was finished in June 1942 and, located at 520 S. Pierre St., has served as the headquarters of the Pierre Post 8 since then.
The state Historical Society says the Pierre American Legion Cabin is listed for its significance in the areas of social history and architecture.
First, in South Dakota during the New Deal era, it was the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps who constructed most buildings. A NYA-constructed building is rare and represents the diversity of the New Deal-era programs and projects. The cabin is the only known NYA-constructed building in Pierre. It is also one of only two known New Deal buildings still standing in Pierre. Since very few NYA-connected projects have been identified in South Dakota, the Pierre American Legion Cabin is significant for its association with the NYA.
Second, the Pierre Post 8 of the American Legion has been headquartered out of the same building the last seventy-seven years. They continue to be involved in efforts that promote the welfare of society locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally.
Architecturally, the Pierre American Legion Cabin is the largest historic log structure in central South Dakota and the largest known Rustic Style building located outside of the Black Hills. Very few examples of the style are located outside of the Black Hills, making the Pierre American Legion Cabin an important example.
One of the most interesting features of the building is its massive fireplace and chimney, which are constructed of petrified wood. Although it is not known who built this feature, it does not appear to be the work of unskilled NYA laborers. It resembles similar work by stonemason Monte Nystrom, who worked on many Rustic-style buildings in the Black Hills during the same period. However, a definite link to Nystrom cannot be proven.
The National Register is the official federal list of properties identified as important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. The State Historic Preservation Office of the State Historical Society works in conjunction with the National Park Service, which oversees the National Register program, to list the properties.
Buildings, sites, structures and objects at least 50 years old possessing historical significance may qualify for the National Register. Properties must also maintain their historic location, design, materials and association. Listing on the National Register does not place any limitations on private property owners by the federal government.
Other properties recently listed in the National Register are the Gale Buildings in Canton, the Shady Lawn School No. 8 near De Smet, and the East Side Fire Station and Branch Library in Sioux Falls.
The exterior of the Pierre American Legion Cabin.
The interior of the Pierre American Legion Cabin.
(Both photos courtesy of South Dakota State Historical Society)
