Rapid City
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| Rapid City | |
|---|---|
| Name | Rapid City |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Gateway to the Black Hills |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | South Dakota |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Pennington |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1876 |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Jason Salamun |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 141.71 |
| Area total sq mi | 54.72 |
| Area land km2 | 141.55 |
| Area land sq mi | 54.65 |
| Area water km2 | 0.16 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.06 |
| Elevation ft | 3242 |
| Elevation m | 988 |
| Population total | 74003 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 522.7 |
| Population density sq mi | 1354.0 |
| Timezone | Mountain |
| Utc offset | -7 |
| Timezone DST | MDT |
| Utc offset DST | -6 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 57701-57703, 57709 |
| Area code | 605 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 46-52980 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1267532 |
| Website | www.rcgov.org |
Rapid City is the second-most populous city in South Dakota and the county seat of Pennington County. Founded in 1876 during the Black Hills Gold Rush, it serves as a primary commercial and cultural hub for the western region of the state. Often called "The Gateway to the Black Hills," the city is a major tourism center, providing access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial.
History
The site was established by a group of disappointed prospectors in 1876, shortly after the Custer Expedition confirmed the presence of gold in the Black Hills, igniting the Black Hills Gold Rush. The settlement was named for the fast-flowing Rapid Creek and grew as a supply point for miners and homesteaders, surviving a devastating flood in 1972 that caused significant damage and loss of life. The city's development was further shaped by the establishment of Ellsworth Air Force Base during World War II, which brought sustained economic activity and population growth. Key historical figures associated with the area include Sitting Bull and Wild Bill Hickok, and the region is part of the ancestral lands of the Lakota people.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 54.72 square miles, primarily on a rolling plain at the eastern edge of the Black Hills. The landscape is defined by Rapid Creek, which flows through the city center, and nearby geographic features such as Bear Butte and the Badlands National Park. The climate is classified as humid continental, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, influenced by its elevation and proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 74,003, making it the state's second-largest city after Sioux Falls. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with significant communities of Native American and Hispanic or Latino residents. Major institutions influencing the population include Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and Black Hills State University.
Economy
The economy is diversified, with major sectors including tourism, defense, healthcare, and education. Ellsworth Air Force Base is one of the largest employers and houses the 28th Bomb Wing operating the B-1 Lancer. Tourism revolves around attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. Significant healthcare providers are Monument Health Rapid City Hospital and the Indian Health Service, while the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a cornerstone for research and engineering.
Culture and recreation
The city is known for its public art, notably the City of Presidents sculpture walk featuring life-size bronze statues of every President of the United States. Major cultural institutions include the Journey Museum and Learning Center, the Dahl Arts Center, and the Museum of Geology. Annual events such as the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and the Summer Nights concert series draw large crowds. Outdoor recreation is centered on the Black Hills National Forest, George S. Mickelson Trail, and Pactola Lake.
Government
The city operates under a mayor-council system. The current mayor is Jason Salamun, and the legislative body is the ten-member Common Council. It is part of South Dakota's at-large congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Dusty Johnson. Key local facilities include the Pennington County Courthouse and the Rapid City Regional Airport.
Category:Cities in South Dakota Category:Pennington County, South Dakota Category:County seats in South Dakota