Sturgis South Dakota
Sturgis, South Dakota was named after Major Samuel D. Sturgis. He was a commander at local Fort Meade and his son was killed during the Battle of Little Big Horn. The city of Sturgis itself was founded in the summer of 1876. Fort Meade became the training post for many regiments within the US army, and also gave birth to the national anthem, the Star Spangle Banner. Despite the amount of military traffic that came through the area during these initial years, it wasn't until the gold rush that people started coming to the Black Hills in large numbers. Three roads, intersecting at Bear Butte, brought travelers from Nebraska and North and South Dakota. Although the gold rush days are long gone there are 6,682 people that call Sturgis home today. Sturgis, SD is also the county seat for Meade County, which has a population of 22,000. The main industries that support the economy of Sturgis are tourism, ranching, veteran health care, and weaponry. more info
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The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally by far brings the most business and
livelihood to the town each year. This week long rally invites riders
and spectators from all over the country to enjoy events like races,
scenic tours, hill climbs, and motor-cross. In fact, there is a
special department within the city government just in charge of
planning the annual event. The residents of the city also play a huge
role in the rally, by welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors into
their businesses, hotels, and homes every August.
There are also some other events that Sturgis hosts throughout the year
like Cavalry Days and the National Sheepdog Finals and Cultural Days.
Cavalry Days is celebrated the second weekend of June every year. It
involves festivities like visiting old encampments and watching
reenactments during the frontier days at Fort Meade. Fort Meade is
located just outside of Sturgis. National Sheepdog Finals and Cultural
Days are a combined event that fills a week in mid September. Enjoy not
only the competition, but music and mutton busting. Sturgis may seem
like a small and quaint town in South Dakota, but just wait until mid
August.
Currently OutsideOther pages you might find helpful:
City of Sturgis
Official site for the City of Sturgis, South Dakota.
Meade County School District
Website for the Meade County School District.
Meade County, South Dakota
Official site for Meade County of South Dakota.
Sturgis Parks and Cemeteries
City of Sturgis department of Parks and Cemeteries.
Sturgis Public Library
Official website for the Sturgis Public Library.
