Huron, South Dakota
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| Huron, South Dakota | |
|---|---|
| Name | Huron |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The Pheasant Capital of the World" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | South Dakota |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Beadle |
| Government type | Commission-Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Paul Aylward |
| Leader title1 | City Manager |
| Leader name1 | Terry Rotert |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1880 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1883 |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 27.66 |
| Area total sq mi | 10.68 |
| Area land km2 | 27.66 |
| Area land sq mi | 10.68 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation m | 390 |
| Elevation ft | 1280 |
| Population total | 14263 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 515.7 |
| Population density sq mi | 1335.5 |
| Timezone | Central (CST) |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP code |
| Postal code | 57350 |
| Area code | 605 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 46-31060 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1255756 |
| Website | www.huronsd.com |
Huron, South Dakota is the county seat of Beadle County and a principal city in the eastern part of the state. Founded as a railroad town along the Chicago and North Western Railway, it has grown into a regional hub for agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce. The city is famously known as "The Pheasant Capital of the World" and hosts the annual South Dakota State Fair, a major event drawing visitors from across the Midwestern United States.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Dakota people before European-American settlement accelerated with the arrival of the Chicago and North Western Railway in 1880. The city was platted that same year and named after the Huron people, a Native American tribe. Huron was designated the county seat following a contentious election against its rival, Virgil, South Dakota, and was officially incorporated in 1883. Significant growth occurred with the establishment of the South Dakota State Fair in 1905 and the construction of the Huron Regional Medical Center, which became a major healthcare provider for the region. The city also served as the home of the Huron University until its closure in 2005 and was the boyhood home of former Vice President Hubert Humphrey.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.68 square miles, all of it land. Huron is situated on the James River in the Drift Prairie region of eastern South Dakota. The terrain is characterized by flat to rolling plains, with fertile soils that support extensive agriculture. The city's location at the intersection of U.S. Route 14 and U.S. Route 37 has historically made it a transportation nexus for the surrounding agricultural communities.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 14,263, making it the eighth-largest city in South Dakota. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population density was approximately 1,335.5 people per square mile. Historically, the city experienced significant population growth during the early 20th century, particularly with the expansion of the Chicago and North Western Railway and the agricultural boom.
Economy
Huron's economy is diversified with strong foundations in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Major employers include the Huron Regional Medical Center, Huron School District, and various agribusiness firms like Dakota Provisions, a large turkey processing plant. The city is a regional center for grain storage and shipping, facilitated by its rail and highway infrastructure. The annual South Dakota State Fair provides a substantial economic boost through tourism and related services, while manufacturing sectors produce products ranging from agricultural equipment to electronic components.
Culture and recreation
The city is renowned as "The Pheasant Capital of the World," with the opening weekend of the South Dakota pheasant hunting season being a major cultural and economic event. The South Dakota State Fair, held annually at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds, is one of the state's largest attractions, featuring concerts, rodeo events, and agricultural exhibitions. Cultural institutions include the Dakota Territory Air Museum and the Huron Public Library. Recreational opportunities are provided at parks like Ravine Lake Park and the James River, which offers fishing and boating.
Government
Huron operates under a commission-manager form of government. The city is led by a mayor and four city commissioners elected at-large, who appoint a professional city manager to oversee daily administrative operations. As the county seat, it houses the Beadle County Courthouse and related county government offices. The city provides essential services including police and fire protection, utilities, and public works, and is represented in the South Dakota Legislature as part of the 23rd legislative district.
Category:Cities in South Dakota Category:County seats in South Dakota Category:Beadle County, South Dakota