Moving to or from Yankton?
The former capital of Dakota Territory (1861-1883) and South Dakota's oldest city — on the Missouri River at the Nebraska border, with the historic Meridian Bridge converted to a pedestrian/bike bridge and Lewis & Clark Lake recreation.
- 15,000 City population
- 22,000 Metro area
- 1861 Founded
- Southeast South Dakota / Missouri River Region
Why people move to Yankton.
- Being the former Dakota Territory capital (1861-1883)
- Being South Dakota's oldest continuously-settled city
- Meridian Bridge pedestrian/bike path
- Lewis & Clark Lake and recreation area
- Mount Marty University
- Yankton Sioux Indian Reservation adjacent
Yankton was the capital of Dakota Territory from 1861 to 1883 — the entire northern plains region (now ND and SD) was governed from here for 22 years. The capital was moved to Bismarck in 1883 after political wrangling. Yankton is sometimes called 'The Mother City of the Dakotas' because of this territorial-capital history. The city is home to the Yankton Sioux Indian Reservation adjacent, and the preserved Meridian Bridge crossing the Missouri River is now a popular pedestrian/bike path.
Where people live in Yankton.
A quick guide to Yankton's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Downtown
Historic core with preserved territorial-capital buildings
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Central Yankton
Established residential
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Riverfront
Near Missouri River
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Mount Marty area
Near university
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Hill City neighborhood
Residential
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Gayville (nearby)
Small community
Where people spend their time in Yankton.
- Meridian Bridge pedestrian/bike path Riverfront
- Lewis & Clark Lake West Yankton
- Dakota Territorial Museum Central Yankton
- Mount Marty University Central Yankton
- Gavins Point Dam West Yankton
- Yankton Sioux Reservation Wagner-adjacent
Planning a Yankton move.
- SD has no state income tax
- Winter is severe with sub-zero cold
- Nebraska border is immediately south
- Sioux Falls is 80 miles northeast
Moving in Yankton: FAQ.
Why did Yankton lose the capital?
Political maneuvering in 1883 — Bismarck was a railroad hub further north, and the Dakota Territory's leadership wanted the capital more centrally located between the North and South portions of the territory (which separated into separate states in 1889). Yankton lost the capital but retained its status as the territory's oldest city and a Missouri River port. The city still carries a certain wistfulness about 'what could have been.'
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