The Mitchell Corn Palace, established in 1892, was created as a promotional attraction to encourage settlement in South Dakota by showcasing the fertility of the land. It is redecorated each year with corn and grain murals.

Project #19 - The Corn Palace

• The first Corn Palace, known as the “Corn Belt Exposition,” was built in 1892 in what is now Mitchell. It was constructed in about 60 days at a cost of roughly $1,500 as a promotional showcase for the region’s agricultural productivity.

  Mitchell was first settled in 1879, and a post office was established soon after. The community was incorporated as a city in 1883. Later, the state of South Dakota was admitted to the Union in 1889 as the 40th state, alongside its sister state North Dakota, which became the 39th state.

• While it is unique today, at least 34 different corn or grain palaces were constructed in Midwest towns between 1880 and 1930.

• Built as wooden structures, these buildings were covered on every surface with brightly colored Indian corn and other locally grown agricultural products arranged into decorative patterns. While visually striking, this design also created challenges, including fire hazards to a rodent refuge.
  

• The Mitchell Corn Palace has been rebuilt and relocated multiple times throughout its history. The original structure was built on 4th Street and was not intended as a permanent building. In 1905, it was torn down and rebuilt using some of the original materials at a larger scale on 5th Street, partly as part of Mitchell’s efforts to promote itself during its bid to become the state capital.

  In 1921, due to updated fire and health regulations, the Corn Palace was moved to its current location at 6th and Main Street. The current building features a more durable structure and is redecorated annually with new designs made from corn and other agricultural products by local artists.

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