Rapid City, Regional trade center in western South Dakota, United States
Rapid City is a settlement in western South Dakota, near the border with Wyoming and roughly 400 miles (645 km) from Denver. Low hills mark the transition between the Great Plains and the forested uplands that begin to the west.
Gold seekers founded the settlement in 1876 during the rush to the Black Hills, and ten years later the railroad brought regular traffic and trade. Military presence and tourism contributed to further growth in the 20th century.
The name refers to the swift current of the creek that flows through downtown and remains accessible at several outdoor points. Bronze figures of past American presidents stand along street corners in the historic center, forming a kind of open-air gallery for walkers.
Main through roads connect the center with surrounding natural areas and run in clear north-south and east-west lines through the town. Visitors find information offices downtown that provide guidance on hiking and camping options in the area.
A flood disaster in 1972 destroyed entire neighborhoods along the creek, after which the town decided to preserve the banks permanently as green space. Today these parks form a connected strip through the built areas and offer bike paths and picnic spots.
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