Community & Events

Local History

History of Castlewood

Castlewood takes pride in preserving the stories, places, and traditions that shaped the community. The Castlewood Historical Society works to protect and share the history of Castlewood and the surrounding area for future generations.

Castlewood was platted in 1881, and in 1882 the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad built a branch line through the Big Sioux Valley, placing a turntable in Castlewood that helped establish the town as a regional hub.

Local lore says that on the first train to pass through the area, the engineer was named Castle and the conductor was named Wood, inspiring the community’s name.

Located in the heart of northeastern Hamlin County, Castlewood developed in the center of one of the region’s richest agricultural areas, helping shape its strong rural and community-focused heritage.

Castlewood Historical Society

The Castlewood Historical Society was organized in May 1988 with 20 charter members and one honorary member, Grace Ellefson, whose family contributed significantly to the city’s historical records.

Guided by the motto “Preserving the Past for the Future,” the society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich heritage of Castlewood and the surrounding region.

The organization meets quarterly, with meeting notices published on the Historical Society website and in the Hamlin County Republican newspaper. Membership is open to the public, and new members are always welcome.

Membership Dues: $10 per year

Contact Information
Castlewood Historical Society
PO Box 115
Castlewood, SD 57223

Phone: 605-880-5331

Preservation Grants

The Castlewood Historical Society administers the Gaylord Hoftiezer Endowment Grant, which helps promote the preservation of historic buildings, properties, and sites in Castlewood. Priority is often given to historic Main Street buildings. Applications are accepted through March 31st each year.

For questions about the grant application process, contact Lois Wiarda, Treasurer, at 605-880-5331.

Download Historic Sites & Buildings Grant Application

Download Homeowner Grant Application

Castlewood Community Museum

The Castlewood Community Museum preserves artifacts and stories from the city’s past. The museum is located in the historic M.O. Hanson building, which was purchased through a successful community fundraising effort along with support from a grant provided by the City of Castlewood.

The museum is open by appointment during the winter months and continues to grow through the support of community members.

The Historical Society welcomes artifacts, photographs, and items that help tell the story of Castlewood’s history.

For museum inquiries or to contribute items of local historical significance, please contact the Castlewood Historical Society.