Ordway, South Dakota facts for kids

Ordway is a small, quiet place in Brown County, South Dakota. It's known as an unincorporated community. This means it doesn't have its own local government, like a mayor or city council, but it's still a recognized area where people live.

About Ordway

Ordway is located in the northeastern part of South Dakota, a state in the United States. Even though it's not a big city, it has its own unique history and story.

The Story of Ordway's Beginning

The area that became Ordway was officially mapped out and planned in 1880. This process is called "platting." It's like drawing the first blueprint for a new community.

A very important person from that time gave Ordway its name. The community was named after Nehemiah G. Ordway.

Who Was Nehemiah G. Ordway?

Nehemiah G. Ordway was a significant leader in the region's history. He served as the seventh Governor of Dakota Territory. This was a huge area that later became the states of North Dakota and South Dakota. He was governor from June 1, 1880, until June 24, 1884. Naming the community after him was a way to honor his role in the territory.

Ordway's Post Office

In 1881, a post office was opened in Ordway. Post offices were very important back then. They helped people send and receive letters and packages. This connected the community to the rest of the world. The post office in Ordway served the community for many years. It finally closed its doors in 1944.