SDSU Buildings and Landmarks Collection

7.0 linear feet (7 record boxes)
1 oversize box

South Dakota State University was established in 1881 as Dakota Agricultural College, with its first permanent building, later known as Old Central, completed in 1883. As the institution expanded in the early twentieth century, additional academic and administrative structures were constructed, including Lincoln Hall in 1927 and the Coughlin Campanile in 1929, which became a defining architectural landmark of the campus. Over subsequent decades, the university added facilities to support engineering, agriculture, research, student life, and athletics, reflecting steady institutional growth from a land grant college to a comprehensive university. Historic buildings such as Old Central, Lincoln Hall, and the Coughlin Campanile stand alongside later additions including research laboratories, residence halls, and athletic venues, illustrating successive phases of campus development.

This artificial collection consists of assembled materials related to the buildings and landmarks of South Dakota State University. Developed over time from departmental files, staff contributions, and individual donations rather than through a formal records transfer process, the collection varies in scope and completeness. Materials span from the late nineteenth century to the present and document construction, renovation, maintenance, and commemorative activities associated with campus structures. Records include architectural plans, capital outlay reports, budget data, blueprints, specifications, maintenance files, dedication programs, and anniversary materials. Buildings represented include academic halls, agricultural and research facilities, libraries, residence halls, student unions, athletic venues, and landmark structures. The collection documents the physical growth of the campus and the evolution of its infrastructure across multiple generations.

Information request form: Ask Us!

In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)

The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.

Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.

If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.

In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.

If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:

• Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
• Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
• Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
• Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.

• Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.

  For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.

• English

Copyright and Use Statement

In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.