Avon, SD

Avon is a Bon Homme County city founded in 1879 and moved a mile and a half northwest in 1900 when the railroad came through. Its name came from Avon, New York, the hometown of early postmasters George and Mrs. Phoenix, who ran the post office from their home. The city incorporated in 1904. George McGovern was born and raised here until age six, giving this small South Dakota town a direct link to one of the state’s best-known national political figures.

Avon’s everyday map comes through its institutions: South Dakota Highway 50 runs east–west along the northern edge, the school district has elementary, middle, and high schools, and the public library sits at 116 North Main. Baseball, softball, swimming, golf, bingo, and dart leagues fill the city’s summer activity list, while a monthly Feeding South Dakota truck brings a regular food-distribution stop to town. Avon is a rail-moved prairie community with a school, library, and Main Street routines gathered inside a small grid.