Belle Fourche, South Dakota

Belle_Fourche

JOHNNY_SPAULING_CABIN,_BELLE_FOURCHE,_BUTTE_COUNTTY

Belle Fourche
City
Location in South Dakota
Country	United States
State	South Dakota
County	Butte County
Founded	1903
Area
• Total	8.60 sq mi (22.3 km2)
• Land	8.55 sq mi (22.1 km2)
• Water	0.05 sq mi (0.1 km2)
Elevation	3,025 ft (922 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	5,583
• Density	652.1/sq mi (251.8/km2)
Time zone	UTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-6 (MDT)
ZIP code	57717
Area code(s)	605
FIPS code	46-04580
GNIS feature ID	1265620

Belle Fourche (pronounced "bell foosh") is a city in Butte County, South Dakota, United States. It is the county seat of Butte County. The population was 5,583 at the 2020 census. The name is French for "beautiful fork" and refers to the confluence of the Belle Fourche River and the Redwater River.

History

Belle Fourche was founded in 1903. The city was established as a railroad center and became a significant hub for the transportation of cattle. The Chicago and North Western Railway played a crucial role in the development of Belle Fourche, making it one of the largest livestock shipping points in the United States during the early 20th century.

Geography

Belle Fourche is located at the geographic coordinates of 44°40′22″N 103°51′10″W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.60 square miles, of which 8.55 square miles is land and 0.05 square miles is water. The city is situated near the geographic center of the United States, marked by a monument located just north of the city.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 5,583 people, 2,400 households, and 1,400 families residing in the city. The population density was 652.1 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was predominantly White, with small percentages of Native American, African American, Asian, and other races.

Economy

The economy of Belle Fourche is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. The city remains an important center for the cattle industry, with several livestock auctions held throughout the year. Additionally, tourism plays a role in the local economy, with visitors attracted to the nearby Black Hills and the geographic center monument.

Education

Belle Fourche is served by the Belle Fourche School District, which includes Belle Fourche High School, Belle Fourche Middle School, and several elementary schools. The city also has a public library and access to higher education institutions in nearby cities.

Notable People

• Francis H. Case, a U.S. Representative and Senator from South Dakota.
• Tom Brokaw, a television journalist and author, was born in Webster, South Dakota, but spent part of his childhood in Belle Fourche.

Related Pages

• Butte County, South Dakota
• Belle Fourche River
• Black Hills
• Chicago and North Western Railway