Mellette House, Historic home and museum in Watertown, South Dakota
The Mellette House is a residential building in the Italianate style constructed in 1885 in Watertown, South Dakota. The brick structure features tall windows and decorative architectural details typical of that period, with interior rooms arranged to show how the household functioned.
Arthur Calvin Mellette built the house in 1885 as his residence before becoming South Dakota's first governor. The structure underwent restoration in the 1930s to preserve its form and ensure its stories would reach future generations.
The house is named after its builder Arthur Calvin Mellette and reflects the lifestyle of a prominent family in early South Dakota. The rooms display furnishings and personal objects from the 1880s that show how people of means lived during the territorial period.
The house is open to the public and located near downtown Watertown, making it relatively easy to reach. Visiting requires no special preparation, though checking operating hours in advance is recommended as they may be limited.
The house faced deterioration for years before being rescued and restored in the 1930s, reflecting the community's commitment to preservation. This rescue from decay makes its current maintenance noteworthy for visitors interested in how historic buildings are saved.
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