History of Wagner

Wagner is a town situated on the rolling grasslands of southeastern South Dakota near the Missouri River. The town was built on the historical homeland of the Yankton Sioux People who served as the original caretakers of this area. The land was home to large herds of buffalo which served as the sustenance to the people that dwelt there. In 1853 the area was incorporated into a reservation and the traditionally nomadic groups there were forced to abandon their original way of life.  

The region was colonized in 1895 by settlers hailing from across Europe, particularly Germany, Czechoslovakia, Sweden, and Ireland. These families came seeking to benefit from the Homestead Act of 1862, a piece of legislation passed by congress to allot 160 acres of the land taken from the Yankton Sioux to the head of every household willing to establish a farm. Due in large part to the Dawes Act of 1887 allotments originally belonging to Native peoples were transferred to area settlers creating a checkerboard of noncontiguous land ownership and governmental jurisdiction.

The town itself began as a railroad outpost and was incorporated officially into a municipality in 1907. The economy established in the area was comprised of agrarian interests with the town growing its businesses to support this population. The immigrants who established their families in the area dedicated themselves to building the town into a thriving community with a commitment to continued growth. Today, Wagner continues to service the farmers of the region and boasts an economy that thrives off its primary industries of agriculture, construction, healthcare, and education. The citizens of the community helped to support the construction and maintenance of a pool, lakeside recreation area, armory gym, Boys and Girls Club, VFW, and many other community amenities that make Wagner attractive. Each year since it was established the town hosts a three-day Labor Day celebration that attracts tourists from across South Dakota to participate.

As Wagner looks ahead into the 21st century the community continues to invest in the growth of businesses and families here. The area has become a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to hunting and recreation along the Missouri River. The civic organizations of the area invest heavily in youth development through the Boys and Girls Club, sports leagues, 4-H, and religious and spiritual growth. Wagner is home to a robust Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce that promote the involvement of local business in the community.