Courthouse in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, embodied and validated the federal government's faith in westward expansion.

The U.S. Government purchased a two-lot parcel dedicated to the construction of a Federal building in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on July 22, 1891.

South Dakota's first senator, Richard Pettigrew, introduced a bill to fund the structure, recommending that native Sioux quartzite be used for its construction.

[2] In the early 1890s, South Dakota was a young state that had recently witnessed a major conflict between the U.S. Army and Native Americans at the Wounded Knee Massacre.

The construction of a Federal building at Sioux Falls was intended to create a sense of stability and permanence among the newly arrived settlers.

The roof form is primarily hipped, crossed by central gable parapet-wall dormers and terminated at each end with octagonal turrets.

[2] In 1911, under James Knox Taylor, Supervising Architect of the Treasury, the building was extended 30 feet to the east, and the third floor was added.

[2] In 1931, a two-story wing with a full basement was added to the rear (east side) of the building under the direction of the Office of the Supervising Architect under James A. Wetmore.

However, many features remain, including the 1911 iron and marble stairs, the oak-paneled courtroom, and two small vaults with mural scenes painted on the doors.