Rapid City

Rapid City

General Information
Name	Rapid City
Native Name
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Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	44°4 33°N
Map
Population
Total
Density	per km²
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Government
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Time Zone
Standard	UTC
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Rapid City is the second most populous city in the U.S. state of South Dakota and the county seat of Pennington County. Named after the Rapid Creek on which the city is established, it is known as the "Gateway to the Black Hills" and the "City of Presidents".

History

Rapid City was founded in 1876 by a group of disbanded miners who promoted their new city as the "Gateway to the Black Hills". The city quickly grew as a service center for the Black Hills Gold Rush.

Geography

Rapid City is located on the eastern slope of the Black Hills mountain range. The city is divided by a low mountain ridge that splits the western and eastern parts of the city.

Economy

The economy of Rapid City is based on a diverse range of industries including tourism, defense, and healthcare. The city is a major hub for tourism due to its proximity to attractions such as Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Badlands National Park.

Healthcare

Rapid City is home to several healthcare facilities, including the Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, which is the largest hospital in the region. The city also has a number of clinics and specialized medical centers that provide a wide range of healthcare services.

Education

Rapid City is served by the Rapid City Area Schools district, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. The city is also home to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, a public university known for its engineering and science programs.

Transportation

Rapid City is served by the Rapid City Regional Airport, which offers flights to several major cities. The city is also a hub for several major highways, including Interstate 90, which runs east-west through the city.

Culture

Rapid City hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo and the Central States Fair. The city is also home to several museums and art galleries, such as the Journey Museum and Learning Center.

See also

• List of cities in South Dakota
• Black Hills
• Mount Rushmore

External links

• Official website of Rapid City