Crandon, South Dakota facts for kids
Crandon is a small, historical place in Spink County, South Dakota. It is an unincorporated community, which means it's a settlement that doesn't have its own local government like a city or town does.
Crandon's Story
Crandon has a rich history, even though it's a quiet place today. It was officially planned out and marked on a map in 1881. The community got its name from Frank P. Crandon, who was an important official for the railroad company. The area around it, called the township, was also named after him.
Early Days
When Crandon was at its busiest, around 200 people lived there. This was a good number for a small community back then. A post office was opened in Crandon in 1881, helping people send and receive mail. This post office stayed open for many years, finally closing in 1935.
The Railroad's Role
The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad was very important to Crandon. A special train track, called a branch line, ran right through the middle of the town's Main Street. This train line connected the towns of Redfield and Huron, which helped Crandon grow. The railroad was vital for moving goods and people in and out of the community.
Why Crandon Changed
Crandon's way of life depended a lot on agriculture, which means farming. When farmers had good harvests, the town did well. But if the crops didn't grow well, it was tough for everyone. Because of these challenges, and after the railroad line was stopped in the late 1970s, many people moved away. They often went to bigger nearby towns like Redfield and Tulare to find work and opportunities.
