The original town site of Vermillion, South Dakota was settled below the bluffs of the mighty Missouri River. The devastating flood of 1881 changed the river’s course forcing residents of Vermillion to relocate above the bluffs overlooking the original town site. Vermillion was founded in 1859 and named for the old Fort Vermillion which was founded by the American Fur Company in 1835. Today Vermillion is home to the University of South Dakota, Dakota Dome and several unique museums.