The story so far
from the U.S. CensusBetween the 2010 and 2020 censuses its population grew from 144 to 179 (+24%). Half of its homes were built before 1938.
Wikipedia doesn’t have a history of Parnell yet — the old photos, dates and memories neighbors add here are how it gets written.
Be one of the first
Start Parnell’s collection
The first neighbors to add old photos shape how Parnell’s history is told.
0 of 10 decades since 1900 have photos 📦Share a family photoSign in to add one+10By decade
Parnell, 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
Nothing in Parnell is on the National Register yet
That’s true of most small towns. It doesn’t mean Parnell has no history, only that no one has written up a nomination. The closest listed place is Elias B. Olsen Ranch in Alton, 3.1 miles away.
Parnell and the nearest listed places
Dashed line = Parnell. Tap a dot.
Closest to Parnell
Elias B. Olsen RanchAlton · District3.1miSt. Mary's SchoolElkton · Built 19175.3miSouth Dakota Department of Transportation Bridge No. 51-102-010Riverview · Structure6.4miSouth Dakota Department of Transportation Bridge No. 51-051-000Medary · Structure10.3miGeorge P. Sexauer HouseBrookings · Built 190011.1mi
How a place gets listed
1Talk to the stateEvery nomination goes through the State Historic Preservation Office. Owners, towns and historical societies can start one.
2Try a local or state list firstMany states keep their own register with a shorter form, a common first step for old barns, halls and schoolhouses.
3Write it upA nomination covers the history, photos and a map. Elias B. Olsen Ranch’s page links to a real one.
Know an old place in Parnell?A mill, a schoolhouse, a cellar hole, a church: add a photo of it to Parnell’s story, or a memory of it.
📷 Add a photo of an old placeNational Park Service, National Register of Historic Places · photos from Wikimedia Commons