Mount Vernon, South Dakota

Mount Vernon, South Dakota is a city located in Davison County, near the James River, and is part of the Mitchell Micropolitan Statistical Area. The city is situated about 15 miles northwest of Mitchell, the county seat, and is close to the Aurora and Hanson county lines. The area is also near the Lake Sharpe, a large reservoir created by the Big Bend Dam on the Missouri River, and is not far from the Rosebud Indian Reservation and the Crow Creek Indian Reservation.

Geography

Mount Vernon, South Dakota is situated in the Midwestern United States, in the Great Plains region, and is part of the Prairie Pothole Region. The city is located near the James River, which flows into the Missouri River and is close to the Lake Sharpe, a large reservoir created by the Big Bend Dam. The area is also near the Rosebud Indian Reservation and the Crow Creek Indian Reservation, and is not far from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The geography of the area is characterized by rolling hills, prairies, and badlands, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, and white-tailed deer. The city is also close to the Badlands National Park and the Wind Cave National Park, which are both located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Mount Vernon, South Dakota was 461 people, with a population density of approximately 700 people per square mile. The city has a total area of approximately 0.4 square miles, and is located at an elevation of about 1,300 feet above sea level. The population of the city is predominantly White, with a small percentage of Native Americans and other ethnic groups. The city is part of the Mitchell Micropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of over 23,000 people, and is also close to the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of over 260,000 people. The demographics of the area are also influenced by the nearby University of South Dakota and the South Dakota State University.

History

The area that is now Mount Vernon, South Dakota was originally inhabited by the Lakota and Dakota tribes, and was later settled by European-American pioneers in the late 19th century. The city was founded in 1879, and was named after George Washington's estate, Mount Vernon, in Virginia. The city grew rapidly during the early 20th century, with the establishment of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad and the Homestead Act of 1862, which encouraged settlers to move to the area. The city is also close to the Wounded Knee Massacre site, which is located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and is not far from the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, which is located in Montana.

Economy

The economy of Mount Vernon, South Dakota is primarily based on agriculture, with major crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat. The city is also home to a number of small businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and service stations. The area is also rich in natural resources, including oil and natural gas, and is close to the Bakken formation, a large oil field located in North Dakota. The city is also part of the Mitchell Micropolitan Statistical Area, which has a diverse economy based on healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The economy of the area is also influenced by the nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base and the Rapid City Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Education

The city of Mount Vernon, South Dakota is served by the Mount Vernon School District, which operates a single K-12 school in the city. The school district is part of the South Dakota Department of Education and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The city is also close to the University of South Dakota and the South Dakota State University, which are both located in Vermillion and Brookings, respectively. The area is also home to a number of vocational schools and community colleges, including the Western Dakota Technical Institute and the Lake Area Technical Institute.

Infrastructure

The city of Mount Vernon, South Dakota is served by a number of major highways, including US-16 and SD-38. The city is also close to the I-90 and the I-29, which provide access to major cities such as Sioux Falls and Rapid City. The area is also served by the Mitchell Municipal Airport, which is located in Mitchell and provides access to major airports such as the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and the Rapid City Regional Airport. The city is also home to a number of railroads, including the BNSF Railway and the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad, which provide access to major markets and ports. The infrastructure of the area is also influenced by the nearby Missouri River and the Lake Sharpe, which provide access to major shipping routes and ports. Category:Cities in South Dakota