History

Settlements in the Platte area in northern Charles Mix County date back to the early 1880s. Soon after these settlements were established, in 1889, North Dakota and South Dakota were admitted to the union.

For close to 12 years, Charles Mix County was the only county in the state without a railroad. This changed when the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Co. constructed the railroad line that stopped at what was to become Platte. Lots for the town were available for sale in March of 1900. Soon after that, the railroad arrived and buildings were moved from settlements at Castalia, Old Platte and Edgerton.

A school building was constructed in 1924 and is still in use as Platte High School. The National Guard Armory was constructed in 1969. Since that time, there have been numerous additions at both the Armory and the high school.

The Depression and drought of the 1930s affected the Platte area, as well as many other areas in the state with an out-migration of individuals in search of employment and to escape the conditions. However, since that time, the town's population has remained stable at around 1,300 people for numerous years.

The hospital in Platte dates back to the late 1940s. In September of 1947, the former residence of Senator Edwin Johnson was purchased for $11,000. This two-story house was the only hospital space until 1955 when a one-story addition was added. Since that time, numerous changes and expansions have been made to improve the campus to a 15-bed hospital, a 48-bed nursing home, a recently expanded medical clinic, and the Platte Dental Clinic. The hospital/nursing home is the community's largest employer. A third family practice physician will open a practice in Platte in 2006 and discussions have also started to increase the size of the existing hospital.

Fort Randall Dam was completed in the early 1950s and Lake Francis Case has become a recreational attraction, bringing many visitors to the area. Three state parks are located in the immediate area and are instrumental to the Platte economy.

The opening of the Platte-Winner Bridge in 1966 gave travelers a new route to and from the Black Hills. It also allowed easier travel to Platte from the west, which improved Platte's business community.

Platte is located in the South Central part of the state. It is 12 miles from the Missouri River to the west and about 14 miles to the south.

Platte is served by Highways 44 and 50 east and west and Highway 45 north to Interstate 90.

Nine churches, most of fairly recent construction, serve the spiritual needs of the town and area.

Platte has always been dependent upon agriculture and the area offers many choices. Pastures in the hills near the Missouri River support many cattle operations. Crops grown in the area include corn, wheat, soybeans, oats, alfalfa and grasses and there are cattle, hog and sheep operations.

Platte is a leader in retail sales for towns of its size in the state, indicating a strong and varied business community. The city has completed projects in the past years replacing a large share of the water mains and sewer lines, construction of curb and gutter, and hard surfaced streets in nearly all areas of the city.