Communities We Touch

'With ongoing restoration, Deadwood is being transformed back into the frontier town that once drew legends and legions in search of their fortune. The entire town is a Registered National Historic Landmark, but don’t let that fool you. Behind all the historic facades is plenty of modern-day fun. The famous and infamous have left their marks here. Men, like Wild Bill Hickok and Seth Bullock, and women, like Calamity Jane and Poker Alice, made this town legendary.' (info courtesy of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce)

'Lead was officially founded on July 10, 1876, after the discovery of gold. One of the first enterprises of the Gold Rush of 1876 was Homestake Gold Mine which was claimed by two brothers, Fred and Moses Manuel, and their partner, Hank Harney on April 9, 1876. In June of 1877 George Hearst purchased the claim from the Manuel brothers for a mere $70,000. The Homestake Gold Mine would go on to produce over 40 million ounces of gold during its lifetime, valuing over a billon dollars. The mine would also go on to accomplish many technological and civic achievements and was America’s longest continuously operated gold mine. It closed in 2002 as the oldest, largest and deepest mine in the western hemisphere, stretching over 8,000 feet below the town of Lead. Lead’s future lies in the Sanford Laboratory of Homestake and in its proximity to scenic hiking and biking trails, state and national monuments, memorials and parks.' (info courtesy of the Lead Chamber of Commerce)

'Surveyed and staked out in 1876 and officially incorporated in 1888, Spearfish is ideally situated in the scenic valley of Spearfish Creek and at the mouth of Spearfish Canyon. Known as the Queen City, Spearfish is surrounded by three prominent mountain peaks – Lookout Mountain, Spearfish Mountain, and Crow Peak which form a “crown” circling the City. Spearfish derived its name from Native Americans and fur traders or trappers in the early 1800’s who considered the clear and tumbling stream through the canyon a good place to spear fish. In 1877, the first store was opened along with a United States Post Office. The Spearfish Normal School, now known as Black Hills State University was established in 1883. In 1893, a railroad was built through Spearfish Canyon. This route soon became an outstanding scenic attraction of the Black Hills and a roadway replaced the railroad through Spearfish Canyon. The Federal Fish Hatchery, established in 1898, is known as the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery. In 1906, Matthew’s Opera House opened as the center of entertainment in Spearfish. After extensive renovation, Matthew’s Opera House still provides an historic setting for the visual and dramatic arts. Spearfish continues to grow and prosper. The community is a focal point for tourism, is rich in history, arts and entertainment and is a retail trade center.' (info courtesy of the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce)

'The city of Sturgis was started in 1888 as a boom town catering to off-duty soldiers just outside the U.S. Cavalry's Fort Meade. Later it became a port of entry to the Black Hills goldfields. Today, Sturgis is known worldwide as "Motorcycle City USA." It hosts "Rodeos To Rallies." A gateway community with 7,000 residents, Sturgis is home of the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Black Hills National Cemetery, Bear Butte State Park, Fort Meade Cavalry Museum, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and Wonderland Cave. Fort Meade was established in 1878 to protect the gold seekers and settlers against hostile Sioux Indians, who saw the invasion as a break in the Black Hills Treaty of 1877. The treaty had designated the Black Hills and surrounding prairie as Sioux Indian land. The military installation lasted until 1944, outliving other frontier posts of the Upper Missouri West. The fort today is home to Fort Meade Museum, many original buildings, parade grounds and a Veterans Administration Hospital.' (info courtesy of the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce)

'Belle Fourche is a community of 5,000 progressive citizens located on the northern slopes of the world famous Black Hills in western South Dakota. Belle Fourche is a regional trade center for people from the surrounding three states, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. Points of interest include The Black Hills Roundup, Center of the Nation Monument, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Badlands National Park and other area attractions.' (info courtesy of the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce)

'Known as the Star of the West and the City of Presidents, Rapid City is a thriving community of nearly 70,000 in the heart of the Black Hills. Rapid City is a vacation destination for family vacations offering a variety of shopping, dining, attractions and outdoor recreation. Stay in Rapid City and play in the Black Hills where you can discover Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park and much more. Rapid City will bring you to the foot of the majestic Black Hills, among the two of the longest caves in the world, and to the world’s highest concentrations of public parks, monuments and memorials, all while enjoying luxury and the comforts of home. Rapid City has a wealth of industries and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. As the second largest city in South Dakota, we’re growing and moving forward.' (info courtesy of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce)