History in Siouxland, the Pettigrew House and Museum, Sioux Falls, SD

On a trip in Siouxland to Sioux Falls, SD, I stopped by a historical house and museum of one R.F. Pettigrew. This gentleman was the first sitting U.S. Senator from the state of South Dakota. He also sounded like a bit of a rough and tumble character, actually involved in a brawl with another politician, beating someone with his cane. Evidently gentleman were not synonymous with genteel. Pettigrew however did much for the city of Sioux Falls in its early days and was also a world traveler. There is a small collection of items in the museum from Egypt and the Orient from his travels.

It’s fun to learn about local history, even if it is next door and to find out how places were shaped through the actions of its citizens.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

R.F. Pettigrew was South Dakota’s first sitting U.S. Senator in Congress, and was indicted for treason for talking out against the Unites States involvement in WWI.The Pettigrew House is now a museum in Sioux Falls, SD Saturday April 1, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An image of South Dakota in its infant years inside the Pettigrew House and Museum in Sioux Falls, SD Saturday April 1, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A photo of R.F. Pettigrew, South Dakota’s first sitting U.S. Senator in Congress, in the Pettigrew House and Museum in Sioux Falls, SD Saturday April 1, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Docent Rebecca gives a tour of the Pettigrew House and Museum in Sioux Falls, SD Saturday April 1, 2017. R.F. Pettigrew was South Dakota’s first sitting U.S. Senator in Congress. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Visitors take a tour of the Pettigrew House and Museum in Sioux Falls, SD Saturday April 1, 2017. R.F. Pettigrew was South Dakota’s first sitting U.S. Senator in Congress. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Formal fireplaces are found throughout the Pettigrew House and Museum in Sioux Falls, SD Saturday April 1, 2017. R.F. Pettigrew was South Dakota’s first sitting U.S. Senator in Congress. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Pettigrew House and Museum is decorated with a linoleum type covering that gives its walls and ceilings a textured look without the cost. The home is located in Sioux Falls, SD Saturday April 1, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Furnished in period pieces or by original furniture and fixtures, the Pettigrew House and Museum in Sioux Falls, SD was home to the state’s first sitting U.S. Senator, R.F. Pettigrew, Saturday April 1, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Pettigrew House and Museum has original or period furnishings and furniture and is located in Sioux Falls, SD Saturday April 1, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)