According to watchtutorials.org, Lead, South Dakota is a small town located in the Black Hills of western South Dakota. It is situated at an elevation of 5,200 feet and is the county seat of Lawrence County. The city covers an area of 3.2 square miles and has a population of 3,611 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Lead is surrounded by rugged mountains and hills which provide beautiful views for its residents and visitors alike. The town lies within the Black Hills National Forest which offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and mountain biking.
Lead’s climate is semi-arid with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature during the summer months ranges from 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit while winter temperatures can drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at night time. Lead receives an average annual precipitation of 15 inches per year which includes snowfall in the winter months.
The main industry in Lead is mining; the city was founded as a mining camp when gold was discovered in 1876 and continues to be home to several gold mines today. The area also provides ample opportunity for hunting and fishing with several large game species like deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, turkey, pheasant and more commonly found in the area’s forests and meadows.
Lead is served by US Highway 85 which runs through its downtown area making it easy for visitors to get around town as well as explore nearby attractions such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial or Crazy Horse Memorial which are located within a short drive from Lead’s city limits.
Lead provides its residents with a unique combination of natural beauty along with plenty of outdoor recreational activities making it an ideal place for those looking to escape from busy city life without sacrificing modern amenities or convenience.
History of Lead, South Dakota
Lead, South Dakota was founded in 1876 as a gold mining camp after gold was discovered in the area. The discovery of gold attracted thousands of prospectors and miners from all over the country, resulting in a population boom and the establishment of several businesses. As Lead grew, so did its reputation as a prosperous mining town. In 1877 it was incorporated as a city and quickly became an important center for trade, services, and government for the region.
Lead’s population peaked at nearly 12,000 people in 1900, but declined after World War I due to economic depression and the closure of many local mines. Despite this decline, Lead remained an important center for mining with several large gold mines operating until the mid-20th century.
In addition to its history as a mining town Lead has also had its share of famous visitors over the years including presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Calvin Coolidge who both visited Lead while on vacation during their respective presidencies. Other notable visitors include former Vice President Hubert Humphrey who visited Lead in 1968 during his presidential campaign.
Today, Lead is home to about 3,611 people according to the U.S Census Bureau making it one of South Dakota’s smallest cities yet it still retains much of its 19th century charm with well-preserved historic buildings such as The Homestake Opera House which was built in 1895 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
With its rugged mountain scenery, outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and mountain biking nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial or Crazy Horse Memorial within easy reach it’s no wonder why many people choose to visit or make their home in historic Lead.
Economy of Lead, South Dakota
Lead, South Dakota is a small town with a population of just over 3,600 according to the U.S Census Bureau. Despite its size, Lead has a diverse economy and is home to numerous businesses that serve both locals and visitors alike.
The town’s main economic driver is tourism which brings in millions of dollars annually from visitors who come to explore the area’s rugged mountain scenery, outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and mountain biking as well as nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial or Crazy Horse Memorial.
In addition to tourism, Lead also has a thriving mining industry with several large gold mines operating in the area. Mining has been an important part of the town’s economy since its founding in 1876 when gold was first discovered here. The mining industry is responsible for providing hundreds of local jobs and bringing millions of dollars in revenue each year.
Lead also has a vibrant service sector which includes restaurants, retail stores, hotels and other businesses that cater to both locals and tourists alike. There are also several manufacturing companies located in Lead that produce industrial products such as steel castings and other metal parts used by companies worldwide.
Finally, Lead’s economy is bolstered by its proximity to Rapid City which provides access to larger employers such as Regional Health Systems or Ellsworth Air Force Base as well as numerous smaller businesses that provide goods and services to the local community.
Lead’s economy is relatively stable despite its small size thanks to its diverse mix of industries including tourism, mining, services and manufacturing which provide employment for hundreds of people while bringing millions of dollars into the local economy each year.
Politics in Lead, South Dakota
Lead, South Dakota is a small town located in the Black Hills region of western South Dakota. It is part of Lawrence County and has a population of just over 3,600 according to the U.S Census Bureau. Lead is governed by a mayor-council system with five members who serve four-year terms. The current mayor is George Lueders who was elected in 2019.
The city council meets on the first and third Monday of each month to discuss local issues such as planning, zoning, infrastructure improvements and budgeting for various city services. All meetings are open to the public and citizens are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions or concerns regarding any issue before the council.
Lead also has a City Planning Commission which consists of five volunteer members who are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. The commission meets regularly to review proposed development projects such as new housing developments or commercial businesses within city limits and make recommendations to the city council regarding approval or denial of such projects.
Lead holds local elections every two years in April for mayor, council members, planning commissioners and other government positions. All registered voters in Lead may cast their ballots during these elections which are administered by Lawrence County’s Election Commission Office.
The town also sends two representatives to South Dakota’s state legislature: one senator from District 35 which covers much of western South Dakota including Lead; and one representative from District 33 which covers most of Lawrence County including Lead as well as parts of Pennington County.
Lead’s politics are relatively stable due to its small size and limited number of elected officials who work together closely when making decisions that affect their constituents’ lives.