Fort Pierre
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| Fort Pierre | |
|---|---|
| Name | Fort Pierre |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "Where the West Begins" |
| Pushpin label | Fort Pierre |
| Coordinates | 44, 21, 33, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | South Dakota |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Stanley County |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1832 (as a trading post) |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1890 |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Gloria Hanson |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 8.20 |
| Area total sq mi | 3.17 |
| Area land km2 | 8.20 |
| Area land sq mi | 3.17 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation m | 437 |
| Elevation ft | 1434 |
| Population total | 2086 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 254.4 |
| Population density sq mi | 658.0 |
| Timezone | Mountain (MST) |
| Utc offset | -7 |
| Timezone DST | MDT |
| Utc offset DST | -6 |
| Postal code type | ZIP code |
| Postal code | 57532 |
| Area code | 605 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 46-22180 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1255149 |
| Website | www.fortpierre.com |
Fort Pierre. Fort Pierre is a city in and the county seat of Stanley County, South Dakota, United States. Located directly across the Missouri River from the state capital of Pierre, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited European-American settlements in the state. The community's history is deeply intertwined with the American frontier, the fur trade, and the Lakota people.
History
The site's significance dates to 1817 when the American Fur Company established a post near the confluence of the Bad River and the Missouri River. In 1832, the company constructed Fort Pierre Chouteau, named for the prominent Chouteau family of St. Louis, which became a major hub for the Plains Indians trade and a key stop for explorers and military expeditions, including those led by John C. Frémont and Stephen W. Kearny. The fort was purchased by the United States Army in 1855 but was abandoned shortly after. The present city grew from a later settlement that served as a vital steamboat landing and supply point during the Black Hills Gold Rush, officially incorporating in 1890. The area was also the site of the 1855 Treaty of Fort Pierre and is near the location of the 1804 Lewis and Clark Expedition's first official council with the Sioux.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.17 square miles, all land. It sits on the west bank of the Missouri River, opposite Pierre, within the Great Plains region. The terrain is characterized by river bluffs and rolling plains, with Lake Oahe, a massive reservoir formed by the Oahe Dam, beginning just north of the city. The climate is classified as humid continental climate, featuring cold, dry winters and hot summers, typical of the Midwestern United States.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 2,086. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with significant Native American representation, reflecting the area's history and proximity to several Indian reservations, including the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. The population density was approximately 658 people per square mile. Housing units numbered just over 1,000, with a median household income that generally tracks slightly below the state average for South Dakota.
Economy
The local economy is closely tied to state government functions in neighboring Pierre, with many residents employed in public administration. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and crop production of corn and soybeans, remains a cornerstone. Tourism related to Lake Oahe fishing, hunting, and historical sites like the Verendrye Monument provides seasonal revenue. Retail and service industries cater to both the local population and visitors drawn to recreational activities on the Missouri River.
Culture and recreation
The city embraces its Western heritage, hosting the annual Fort Pierre Rodeo and the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center museum dedicated to the famed rodeo champion. Outdoor recreation is centered on Lake Oahe, known for world-class walleye and chinook salmon fishing, and the Fort Pierre National Grassland, which offers hiking, bird watching, and big game hunting. The South Dakota Discovery Center, located across the river in Pierre, is a major regional attraction, and the city is a gateway to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Government
Fort Pierre operates under a mayor–council form of municipal government. The mayor and city council are elected to set policy and oversee operations, including the Fort Pierre Police Department and public works. As the county seat of Stanley County, it houses the Stanley County Courthouse and related administrative offices. The city is part of South Dakota's At-large congressional district and is represented in the South Dakota Legislature within designated districts.
Category:Cities in South Dakota Category:County seats in South Dakota Category:Stanley County, South Dakota