Our History

Jefferson, South Dakota is situated on a level tract of land between the Big Sioux River and the Missouri River. It was said that this attracted early settlers in 1859. Jefferson’s first name was “Alascat”. The story is a pioneer family stopped in this area for the night. A young girl named Adele lost her cat. The family stayed in the area lamenting the loss of Adele’s cat. The family decided to remain in the area naming the town “Alascat.”

When the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad extended their lines through this section the name was changed to Jefferson. Naming towns after President’s was quite common during this era.  
 
​The population of Jefferson recorded in the 2020 census is 473 people.

Jefferson operates under an aldermanic form of government. This means we have an elected Mayor. There are three Wards in Jefferson with two City Council members from each Ward representing the residents.

Jefferson school district consolidated with Elk Point in 1994, so our children attend school at Elk Point-Jefferson School District located  in Elk Point, South Dakota.