Hamlin County

Hamlin County is an administrative county in eastern South Dakota with rolling hills and farmland throughout its landscape. The area includes numerous lakes and is crossed by major highways connecting communities within and beyond its borders.

The county was created in 1873 and named after Hannibal Hamlin, the first vice president to serve under Abraham Lincoln. This connection reflects how westward expansion brought recognition of national political figures to new territories.

Residents carry strong German and Norwegian family roots visible in community gatherings and local traditions. These ancestries shape how people celebrate together and maintain connections across generations.

Interstate 29 and US Highway 81 pass through the area, providing main routes for traveling through and around the county. Most destinations within the region are easily reached using these highways as reference points.

The area contains public hunting grounds including Baxter Slough and other managed facilities open to visitors interested in wildlife. These spaces attract people who want to experience the land's natural conditions and observe animals in their environment.

Location: South Dakota

Inception: 1873

Capital city: Hayti

Shares border with: Codington County, Deuel County, Brookings County, Kingsbury County, Clark County

GPS coordinates: 44.68000,-97.20000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:59