The story so far
from the U.S. CensusBetween the 2010 and 2020 censuses its population grew from 228 to 265 (+16%). Half of its homes were built before 1944.
Wikipedia doesn’t have a history of Alton yet — the old photos, dates and memories neighbors add here are how it gets written.
Be one of the first
Start Alton’s collection
The first neighbors to add old photos shape how Alton’s history is told.
0 of 10 decades since 1900 have photos 📦Share a family photoSign in to add one+10By decade
Alton, decade by decade
Before
2000
2000
No old photos in the archives yetWeddings on Main Street, storms, parades, school pictures, the old store. If it’s in your family album, it belongs here.
📷 Add from your albumNational Register of Historic Places
1 historic place in Alton
Alton has 1 listing on the National Register, and they protect 9 historic buildings, because Elias B. Olsen Ranch alone counts 9.
#156
In South Dakotaby listings · most towns there have none
1place listed1 district
0National Historic LandmarksNone here yet
9historic buildings protectedcounting each building in a district
1986first listedElias B. Olsen Ranch
Where they are
Tap a dot for a photo and link. Districts show at their center.
Districts
When they were listed
The Register began in 1966.
60s
70s
180s
90s
00s
10s
20s
National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places (05/22/2026) · styles from the National Archives catalog · photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited on each place
Then & now
When neighbors add old photos, retakes from the same spot appear here side by side.