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Where did we get the name Adele’s Cat? 

Jefferson, South Dakota is situated on a level tract of land between the Big Sioux River and the Missouri River. It was said that this attracted early settlers in 1859. Jefferson’s first name was “Adeles Cat”. The story is a pioneer family stopped in this area for the night. A young girl named Adele lost her cat. The family stayed in the area lamenting the loss of Adele’s cat. The family decided to remain in the area naming the town “Adeles Cat.”
​When the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad extended their lines through this section the name was changed to Jefferson. Naming towns after President’s was quite common during this era.