Valley Springs, the east gateway to Dakota Territory, was established during 1868-1873 when pioneers settled by the spring-fed creeks. The first white child born in Minnehaha County was in this area. The town was incorporated in 1878, and its first election was 3-16-83. Its businesses included the first rail head, flour mill, stockyards, lumber yard, and elevators, which supported hotels, general stores, a blacksmith shop, several others, and three churches. Fires, tornados, and a cyclone destroyed most of these, and although citizens banded together to rebuild, the town never reached its early peak. The first four-year high school graduation was in 1916 with four graduates. Valley Springs was the home of Adeline M. Jenney, Second Poet Laureate of SD. Sports of all kinds continue at the ball complex built in 1978. The population was 803, Valley Springs' centennial was 1978, and the South Dakota centennial was 1989.