Brownsville, South Dakota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brownsville, South Dakota
Avalon, Esther's Place, Anderson's Place
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Unincorporated community
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 Brownsville, South Dakota
Location in South Dakota
Brownsville, South Dakota
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | South Dakota |
| County | Lawrence |
| Founded by | David Brown |
| Named for | founder |
| Elevation | 5,505 ft (1,678 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| Area code(s) | 605 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1265621 |
Brownsville is a small place in Lawrence County, South Dakota, United States. It's also known by other names like Avalon, Esther's Place, and Anderson's Place. This area started as a place where people cut down trees for wood. It was named after David Brown, who was a contractor. Brownsville is close to the John Hill Ranch-Keltomaki, which is a historic site in the U.S.
Contents
What's in a Name? Brownsville's History
Brownsville used to be called Avalon. Its name was changed to honor David Brown. He was a local logging contractor and the town's founder. Today, people often call the town Esther's Place or Anderson's Place.
The Story of Brownsville
Brownsville began as a lumber camp. Its main job was to provide wood for the Homestake Mine. This wood was used to build things and to fuel the mine's boilers. David Brown was the founder and contractor. He also managed the town's wood production for many years. He supplied much of the equipment needed.
The town was first called Avalon. Later, its name was changed to honor David Brown. In 1880, about 400 men worked in Brownsville. This number grew even larger later on. A special narrow-gauge train track was built to the town. This track was part of the Black Hills & Fort Pierre Railroad.
Brownsville in the 1880s
By 1882, Brownsville had 600 workers. There were plans to build a telephone line. This line would connect Lead to Brownsville. It would then go on to other towns like Rochford, Tigerville, Hill City, and Custer.
The town was a lively place. A dance class was held once a week. The public school employed 40 teachers. By September 1882, the Homestake Company moved its main train stop to Hagginsville.
Fires and Changes
In 1883, a big fire happened. It broke out at the Hood & Scott Sawmill. This mill was about half a mile northeast of Brownsville. The fire destroyed the mill. Sadly, it also killed eleven employees. In 1894, a boarding house was built in the town.
Today, Brownsville is a small stop for tourists. It has a store, a gas station, and a tavern.
Where is Brownsville?
Brownsville is located in the Black Hills area. It is in Lawrence County. You can find it on the west side of U.S. 385. It is about 6.5 miles south of a ghost town called Pluma. The city of Lead is to the north. The historic John Hill Ranch-Keltomaki is also located near Brownsville.
