Brief summary of significant events that have shaped the history of Mount Vernon

• Mount Vernon was originally called Arlandton after the man who provided shelter for travelers who were on their way up the Fort Thompson trail.
• It become Mount Vernon when the railroad pushed westward from Mitchell after 1881. The Post Office Department requested the change because Arlandton was too much like the already organized Arlington.
• In 1888 there was an intense blizzard that caused great human suffering. Conditions were do bad that people froze to death a few feet away from shelter.
• The first official school was opened in January 1883.
• April 3, 1889, a great fire destroyed much of the town. In all, 53 buildings burned to the ground and the remainder of the buildings were damaged.
• In 1902 telephone service found its way to Mount Vernon.
• Mount Vernon was "lit-up" in 1912 when electrical lights were used for the first time.
• In 1941 the City Auditorium was built, which is still used today for many different functions and is often referred to as the 'Old Gym' on Main.

Mount Vernon Historical Society

The Mount Vernon Area Historical Society, Inc. is now accepting memberships. Membership rates are $15/person or $25/couple.
​The museum is located at The Hall on East 2nd Street. Please consider supporting
​the history of our community!

For more information, please contact Roberta Olsen at (605) 236-5269 or (605) 999-4285.