Fort Pierre, South Dakota

Karl_Bodmer_Travels_in_America_(43)

Fort Pierre, South Dakota

Fort Pierre is a city in Stanley County, South Dakota, United States. It is part of the Pierre Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,078 at the 2020 census. Fort Pierre is the county seat of Stanley County.

History

Fort Pierre was named after Pierre Chouteau Jr., a fur trader and entrepreneur who established a trading post in the area in the early 19th century. The city has a rich history tied to the fur trade, Native American tribes, and early American exploration. The Fort Pierre Chouteau site, a National Historic Landmark, commemorates the trading post established by Chouteau.

Geography

Fort Pierre is located at the confluence of the Bad River and the Missouri River. The city covers a total area of 3.16 square miles, of which 2.96 square miles is land and 0.20 square miles is water.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 2,078 people, 890 households, and 567 families residing in the city. The population density was 702.7 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was predominantly White, with small percentages of Native American, African American, and other races.

Economy

The economy of Fort Pierre is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, tourism, and government services. The city benefits from its proximity to Pierre, the state capital, which provides additional employment opportunities and economic activities.

Education

Fort Pierre is served by the Stanley County School District, which includes an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. The district provides education to students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Attractions

Fort Pierre offers several attractions and recreational opportunities, including:

• Fort Pierre National Grassland
• Oahe Dam
• La Framboise Island Nature Area
• Verendrye Monument

Notable People

• Casey Tibbs, a rodeo cowboy and actor, was born in Fort Pierre.
• Tom Daschle, a former U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader, was raised in the area.

Related Pages

• Pierre, South Dakota
• Stanley County, South Dakota
• Missouri River
• Bad River (South Dakota)
• Fort Pierre Chouteau