Watertown, South Dakota

Watertown is a city in and the county seat of Codington County, South Dakota, United States.[7] Watertown is home to the Redlin Art Center which houses many of the original art works produced by Terry Redlin, one of America's most popular wildlife artists. Watertown is located between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, from which Redlin derived inspiration for his artwork.

Watertown, South Dakota
City
Intersection of Interstate 29 and Highway 212: The Redlin Art Center
Intersection of Interstate 29 and Highway 212: The Redlin Art Center
Nickname: 
South Dakota's Rising Star
Location in Codington County and the state of South Dakota
Location in Codington County and the state of South Dakota
Coordinates: 44°54′12″N 97°7′14″W
CountryUnited States
StateSouth Dakota
CountyCodington
Founded1879[1]
Incorporated1885[2]
Government
 • TypeMayor–council
 • BodyWatertown City Council
 • MayorRied Holien
Area
[3]
 • City26.34 sq mi (68.23 km2)
 • Land18.37 sq mi (47.57 km2)
 • Water7.98 sq mi (20.66 km2)
Elevation
[4]
1,729 ft (527 m)
Population
 (2020)[5]
 • City22,655
 • Estimate 
(2022)[6]
23,019
 • Density1,233.46/sq mi (476.25/km2)
 • Metro
35,073 (US: 374th)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
57201
Area code605
FIPS code46-69300
GNIS feature ID1267627[4]
Websitewatertownsd.us

The population was 22,655 at the 2020 census,[5] making Watertown the 5th most populous in South Dakota. It is also the principal city of the Watertown Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Codington and Hamlin counties. Watertown also is home to the Bramble Park Zoo. Watertown's residential real estate is considered the most expensive in South Dakota for cities of its size; the median price for a home in Watertown is approximately $200,000.[8]

Geography

Watertown is located along the Big Sioux River.[9]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.04 square miles (64.85 km2), of which 17.45 square miles (45.20 km2) is land and 7.59 square miles (19.66 km2) is water.[10] Watertown sits on the Big Sioux River and two major lakes, Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska. Most of Watertown also sits upon a short plateau. The elevation at Watertown Regional Airport is 1,745 feet.

History
An 1883 bird's eye illustration of Watertown

Watertown was founded in 1879 as a rail terminus when the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad reactivated part of a line it had constructed to Lake Kampeska.[1][11] Despite the prominence of rivers and lakes in the area, the city was named after Watertown, New York, the hometown of brothers John E. Kemp and Oscar P. Kemp, two of the city's founders. The town's name was originally planned to be named Kampeska.[1]

During the 1880s, Watertown prospered as a transportation hub after the railroads had been extended farther west. Along with several other cities, Watertown had been a candidate as capital of the new state of South Dakota,[1] although it lost out to the more centrally located Pierre. The city's current newspaper, the Watertown Public Opinion, began publishing in 1887.[1]

In the mid-20th century, Interstate 29 was constructed through eastern South Dakota.[12] The route included a slight bend to bring the interstate closer to Watertown.[12] The interstate's construction has been a major economic benefit to Watertown and the large communities next to it.[12]

Climate

In the last decades the climate is configured as hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa), although it had a warm-summer previously (Dfb). Although it is a humid city it is relatively dry for its climatic category, due to its position in the Great Plains, which still provides an even greater thermal amplitude, especially in the higher values.[13]

Climate data for Watertown Regional Airport, South Dakota (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1893−present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 65
(18)		 66
(19)		 82
(28)		 95
(35)		 106
(41)		 107
(42)		 110
(43)		 105
(41)		 104
(40)		 91
(33)		 78
(26)		 69
(21)		 110
(43)
Average high °F (°C) 21.4
(−5.9)		 25.9
(−3.4)		 38.6
(3.7)		 54.0
(12.2)		 66.9
(19.4)		 76.8
(24.9)		 82.0
(27.8)		 79.5
(26.4)		 71.6
(22.0)		 56.2
(13.4)		 39.8
(4.3)		 26.3
(−3.2)		 53.2
(11.8)
Daily mean °F (°C) 12.2
(−11.0)		 16.3
(−8.7)		 29.1
(−1.6)		 42.8
(6.0)		 55.7
(13.2)		 66.1
(18.9)		 71.0
(21.7)		 68.5
(20.3)		 60.1
(15.6)		 45.7
(7.6)		 30.6
(−0.8)		 17.8
(−7.9)		 43.0
(6.1)
Average low °F (°C) 3.1
(−16.1)		 6.7
(−14.1)		 19.6
(−6.9)		 31.5
(−0.3)		 44.5
(6.9)		 55.4
(13.0)		 60.0
(15.6)		 57.5
(14.2)		 48.6
(9.2)		 35.2
(1.8)		 21.3
(−5.9)		 9.3
(−12.6)		 32.7
(0.4)
Record low °F (°C) −40
(−40)		 −38
(−39)		 −27
(−33)		 −10
(−23)		 16
(−9)		 25
(−4)		 35
(2)		 32
(0)		 9
(−13)		 −2
(−19)		 −20
(−29)		 −37
(−38)		 −40
(−40)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.58
(15)		 0.65
(17)		 1.00
(25)		 2.06
(52)		 2.87
(73)		 3.85
(98)		 3.05
(77)		 2.89
(73)		 2.45
(62)		 1.95
(50)		 0.68
(17)		 0.68
(17)		 22.71
(577)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 6.7
(17)		 8.9
(23)		 5.4
(14)		 5.2
(13)		 0.1
(0.25)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 1.4
(3.6)		 4.5
(11)		 8.9
(23)		 41.1
(104)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 5.9 6.0 6.9 8.9 11.4 11.4 9.5 8.6 8.5 7.5 5.4 6.3 96.3
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 5.6 5.9 3.5 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 2.6 6.0 26.6
Source: NOAA[14][15]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1880746—
18902,672258.2%
19003,35225.4%
19107,010109.1%
19209,40034.1%
193010,2148.7%
194010,6173.9%
195012,69919.6%
196014,07710.9%
197013,388−4.9%
198015,64916.9%
199017,59212.4%
200020,23715.0%
201021,4826.2%
202022,6555.5%
2022 (est.)23,019[6]1.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[16]
2020 Census[5]

The per capita income for the city was $18,994. About 5.7% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those age 65 or over.[17]

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 21,482 people, 9,278 households, and 5,563 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,231.3 inhabitants per square mile (475.4/km2). There were 10,050 housing units at an average density of 575.9 per square mile (222.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.8% White, 0.4% African American, 2.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.

There were 9,278 households, of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.7% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.0% were non-families. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.90.

The median age in the city was 36.6 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 15.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 20,237 people, 8,385 households, and 5,290 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,328.9 inhabitants per square mile (513.1/km2). There were 9,193 housing units at an average density of 603.7 per square mile (233.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.25% White, 0.14% African American, 1.65% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.71% from other races, and 0.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.28% of the population. 47.1% were of German, 19.8% Norwegian and 5.9% Irish ancestry. 96.5% spoke English, 1.7% Spanish and 1.1% German as their first language.

There were 8,385 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.9% under the age of 18, 11.3% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

Education

Watertown has two institutions providing post-secondary education. Lake Area Technical College is a public technical school classified as a community college, offering degrees in areas such as Agriculture, Nursing, and Welding. There is also a satellite campus of Mount Marty College,[18] a private Catholic school based in Yankton, South Dakota.

Lake Area Technical College received the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, following three previous Finalist-With-Distinction honors in 2011, 2013, and 2015 (bi-annual competition/selection process). The Prize was awarded by the Aspen Institute in March 2017 in Washington, D.C. following an intense data collection process by Aspen officials that included a rigorous review of critical elements of student success including learning, completion, and employment after college.

Watertown has one public high school, Watertown High School, and one private boarding school, Great Plains Lutheran High School, of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.[19]

Watertown Middle School (7th and 8th grades) is the only public middle school in Watertown. Construction of the Middle School was completed in August 2015. The community's "Prairie Lakes Wellness Center", opened in 2017, is adjacent to the Middle School. When the Middle School opened in 2015, the prior middle school was completely renovated and became the Intermediate School (5th and 6th grades).

There are multiple elementary schools in Watertown. The five public elementary schools include: Lincoln Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, McKinnely Elementary, and Mellette Elementary. Immaculate Conception School is a private Catholic elementary school. St. Martin's Lutheran School is a private Lutheran elementary school of the WELS. Watertown Christian School is a private non-denominational Christian elementary school.

The Watertown Regional Library is the town's main library, located on 6th St. NE, and open every day of the week.

Harmony Hill High School was a Catholic girls boarding school in Watertown from 1967 to 1974.

Points of interest
Sailboat on Lake Kampeska circa 1900.

Local media

Television
Channel
(Digital)		 Callsign Network Owner Web site
3.1KDLO-DT
(Satellite of KELO)		CBSNexstar Media Groupwww.keloland.com
3.2KDLO-DT
(Satellite of KELO)		MyNetworkTVNexstar Media Groupwww.keloland.com
13.1K32DK-D
(Translator of KSFY)		ABCGray Televisionwww.dakotanewsnow.com
13.2K32DK-D
(Translator of KSFY)		The CW Sioux FallsGray Televisionwww.dakotanewsnow.com
13.3K32DK-D
(Translator of KSFY)		MeTVGray Televisionwww.dakotanewsnow.com
13.4K32DK-D
(Translator of KSFY)		True Crime NetworkGray Televisionwww.dakotanewsnow.com
13.5K32DK-D
(Translator of KSFY)		TheGrioGray Televisionwww.dakotanewsnow.com
46.1K28OE-D
(Translator of KDLT)		NBCGray Televisionwww.dakotanewsnow.com
46.2K28OE-D
(Translator of KDLT)		FOXGray Televisionwww.dakotanewsnow.com
46.3K28OE-D
(Translator of KDLT)		Antenna TVGray Televisionwww.dakotanewsnow.com
46.4K28OE-D
(Translator of KDLT)		Cozi TVGray Televisionwww.dakotanewsnow.com
46.5K28OE-D
(Translator of KDLT)		Court TVGray Televisionwww.dakotanewsnow.com

AM radio
AM radio stations
FrequencyCall signNameFormatOwnerCity
950 AMKWATFull-service radioAlpha MediaWatertown
1480 AMKSDRThe Talk of WatertownConservative talk radioAlpha MediaWatertown

FM radio
FM radio stations
FrequencyCall signNameFormatOwnerTarget city/marketCity of license
89.1 FMKPGTReligiousChurch Planters of AmericaWatertownWatertown
90.1 FMK211ECChristian
WJFM-FM translator		Jimmy Swaggart MinistriesWatertownWatertown
90.3 FMKJSDSouth Dakota Public BroadcastingNPRSouth Dakota Bureau of Information and TelecommunicationWatertownWatertown
91.9 FMK220ITKNWC-FMContemporary ChristianUniversity of Northwestern - St. PaulWatertownWatertown
92.9 FMKSDR-FMNew Country KS93Hot CountryAlpha MediaWatertownWatertown
96.1 FMKIXXThe Best Mix Kicks 96Hot ACAlpha MediaWatertownWatertown
96.9 FMKDLO-FM96.9 KDLO CountryClassic CountryAlpha MediaWatertownWatertown
98.1 FMKPHR-FMStar 98.1Soft Adult ContemporaryPrairie Winds BroadcastingWatertownOrtonville
99.1 FMKXLGSoft Adult Contemporary, News/TalkTMRG Broadcasting, LLCWatertownMilbank
103.5 FMK278BKChristian RadioVCY AmericaWatertownWatertown
104.3 FMKKSD104.3 KKSDClassic HitsAlpha MediaWatertownMilbank
106.3 FMKPHRPower 106.3Classic RockPrairie Winds BroadcastingWatertownOrtonville

Transportation
  • 20th Avenue South, 20th Avenue Southeast, and 29th Street Southeast-Alternate City Truck Route around the south side of Watertown.
  • 448th Avenue and North Lake Drive-Former South Dakota Highway 139; runs along the west side of Lake Kampeska.

Watertown also has one airport, Watertown Regional Airport, served by Denver Air Connection with flights to Denver and Chicago O'Hare, and local bus service provided by the Watertown Area Transit Corporation.

Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Jefferson Lines.[20]

Notable people

Notable visitors

Former President Barack Obama has visited the city twice, first in 2008 during his presidential campaign, and again on May 8, 2015, to address the graduating class of 2015 from Lake Area Technical College.

Major employers

According to the city's 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[23][24] the largest employers in the city are:

Employer Sector Number of Employees As of Notes
Watertown School DistrictEducation776June 2018
Prairie Lakes Health SystemHealthcare683June 2018
Terex UtilitiesManufacturing634June 2018
Hy-VeeRetail450June 2018Mostly part-time
Premier BankcardLending367June 2018
City of WatertownGovernment336June 2018
Worthington IndustriesManufacturing309June 2018
WalmartRetail300July 2017
Dakota BodiesManufacturing285June 2018
Jenkins Living CenterHealthcare274June 2018
OEM Worldwide/SpartonManufacturing272May 2017
SpartronicsManufacturing253June 2018
Dakota Sioux CasinoEntertainment215November 2016
Lake Area Technical CollegeEducation211[25]May 2017
TargetRetail85July 2017

References
  1. Hasselstrom, p. 29.
  2. "SD Towns" (PDF). South Dakota State Historical Society. Retrieved February 17, 2010.
  3. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  4. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Watertown, South Dakota
  5. "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  6. "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022". United States Census Bureau. July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  7. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  8. "South Dakota Homes For Sale By City". South Dakota Real Estate Trends. RealEstate.com. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  9. DeLorme (2001),South Dakota Atlas & Gazetteer, Yarmouth, Maine: DeLorme, ISBN 0-89933-330-3
  10. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  11. Thompson (ed.), p. 173.
  12. Schell, p. 333.
  13. "Watertown, South Dakota Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
  14. "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  15. "Station: Watertown RGNL AP, SD". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  16. United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  17. Watertown, South Dakota: Now. Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2006
  18. "Watertown Campus". Retrieved February 18, 2011.
  19. "Great Plains Lutheran High School".
  20. "South Dakota Bus Stops". Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  21. "Retro Member details". Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  22. "NOEM, Kristi". US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  23. "City of Watertown 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report" (PDF). August 16, 2022. p. 10.
  24. "Top Employers". Watertown Works. June 2018. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  25. "LATI Staff". Retrieved June 1, 2017.

Bibliography
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