About Us

Welcome to the City of Colome! 

On June 3rd, 1908, the first lot sale of Winona, South Dakota, took place. The townsite land was obtained from famed rancher and cowboy of the Rosebud Territory, Chris Colombe. The postal system moved to Winona on March 1, 1909, and due to conflicts with surrounding towns, Winona's name had to be changed. In honor of the man from whom the townsite land was obtained, Winona's name was changed to Colome.

Chris Colombe was born on Cedar Island on the Missouri River- his father was a Frenchman and his mother a three-quarters Native American, who was the daughter of Pierre Dorn, founder of Pierre, SD. Chris, a very influential and successful man, recognized that Gregory County was opening to homesteaders and soon Tripp County would be opening for settlement as well. He chose his land tracts wisely between the White River, Keya Paha River, and Ponca Creek, and then used his influence to convince the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad to lay their tracks through Colome and into the ever-opening Rosebud Territory. 

He was known for his generosity and his ability to enjoy life and its opportunities to the fullest. Chris Colombe died in 1935, a final chapter about the man who helped write the book of the Rosebud Territory settlement. His funeral was at the Catholic Church, and the crowd overflowed into the street to mourn and honor the passing of a man whom was known far and wide. He was laid to rest in the Colome Cemetery beside the graves of his parents.

The City of Colome is now home to 331 residents. We take pride in the Colome Cowboys and Cowgirls of Colome High School. Local businesses flourish, especially during the fall when guests from all over the world visit for our world-class hunting grounds. 

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