Stanley County

Stanley County is an administrative division in South Dakota characterized by rolling semi-arid hills traversed by several waterways that flow through agricultural and grassland areas. The landscape consists of open grasslands interspersed with farmland and natural water features.

The county was established in 1873 and formally organized in 1890, named after Colonel David S. Stanley who commanded Fort Sully from 1866 to 1874. This naming reflected the military influence during the region's early development period.

The county reflects both settler heritage and ongoing Native American presence, visible in local place names and how communities engage with the landscape. This cultural blend shapes daily life and local identity across the region.

Fort Pierre serves as the county seat and operates on Mountain Time, though most residents use Central Time for practical reasons due to its location. Visitors should keep this time difference in mind when planning activities or coordinating with local services.

Fort Pierre National Grassland covers portions of the county and provides protected natural areas for wildlife and outdoor recreation that would otherwise be private land. This conservation area allows visitors to experience native prairie ecosystems that once dominated the region.

Location: South Dakota

Inception: 1873

Capital city: Fort Pierre

Shares border with: Dewey County, Hughes County, Sully County, Lyman County, Jones County, Haakon County, Ziebach County

Website: http://stanleycounty.org

GPS coordinates: 44.40000,-100.75000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:02