The Story
The building at 1144 Main went up in 1892 as "Benevolent Hall," with ground-floor retail and upper-floor lodge meeting rooms. A March 1906 fire destroyed it; it was rebuilt that same year, leaving two dates carved into the cornerstone. Over the next century it cycled through a hardware store, a J.C. Penney department store, a shop called A&J II, and C&D Sales before becoming The Hotel Sturgis, a family-owned hotel with an on-site coffee shop and bakery.
Surprising Facts
→ The cornerstone carries two dates — 1892 and 1906 — because it burned and was rebuilt the same year.
→ It was originally a fraternal lodge meeting hall, not a commercial building.
→ It later operated as a J.C. Penney before eventually becoming a hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hotel Sturgis (Benevolent Hall)?
Hotel Sturgis (Benevolent Hall) is at 1144 Main St, Sturgis, SD. Explore it on the When It Was interactive map.
How old is Hotel Sturgis (Benevolent Hall)?
Hotel Sturgis (Benevolent Hall) dates to 1892, making it more than 134 years old.
Can you still visit Hotel Sturgis (Benevolent Hall)?
Yes — the site at 1144 Main St, Sturgis, SD still stands. Please respect private property where applicable.