Welcome To KEY TO THE CITY's Page For
Spearfish
Lawrence County, South Dakota
ZipCodes
57783, 57799
Motto
The Best of the West
Queen City of the Northern Hills
Page Contents for Spearfish, South Dakota
History & History-related items
Chamber of Commerce.
Community news
Organizations, Churches, and Sports.
Statistics & Facts
The South Dakota state capital is Pierre.
The population of Spearfish is approximately 9,355 (2005), 10494 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 3,904 (2000), 4644 (2010).
The amount of land area in Spearfish is 9.884 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Spearfish is 6.1 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
The distance from Spearfish to Washington DC is 1522 miles.
The distance to the South Dakota state capital is 184 miles. (as the crow flies)
Spearfish is positioned 44.48 degrees north of the equator and 103.84 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Spearfish elevation is 3,640 feet above sea level.
Spearfish per capita income is $ 19,335 (2000).
Spearfish median income is $ 57,819 (2004).
The Spearfish median home price is $ 92,500 (2000).
Spearfish average annual precipitation is 20.27 inches peryear.
Spearfish average annual snowfall is 40 inches per year.
Spearfish average temperature is 54.5 degrees F.
The average winter temperature is 29 degrees F.
The average summer temperature is 65.1 degrees F.
Location
in western South Dakota near the mouth of Spearfish Canyon and the Black Hills National Forest. It is about 52 miles from Rapid City. Nearby communities include North Spearfish, Central City, Lead, Deadwood, Belle Fourche, Whitewood, Fruitdale and Sturgis.
Here is a page with many links for maps
Also try this map page with a number of more local maps.
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History & History Related Items
A story of gold seekers etched in stone is known as the Thoen Stone. It tells of a group of men coming here in 1833 to strike it rich. There were ambushed and left their story in the stone. Whether the story is true has sometimes been in question, but it does make for an interested tale. The city, itself, was settled in 1876 when several people came to stake out their claims. Their claims were established through names in a hat. The city was founded in May 1876.
The naming of Spearfish appears to be from the locals who felt the stream was a good place to spear fish. The land here was fertile and crops were grown that higher elevations could not support. Once irrigation water was available fruits and vegetables, in particular, were grown in abundance. Spearfish continued to grow and prosper. A railroad was built in 1893 to bring the ore in from the mines, but it also became an attraction for the area. A large flood in 1933 destroyed the railroad. The Black Hills State University was established here in 1883, then known as the Spearfish Normal School. Spearfish continued to slowly grow and remained stable even during the great depression of the 1930’s. The Black Hills Passion Play, established here in 1938, continues its run each year.
Spearfish was known as the Queen City because the three major peaks surrounding the city appeared to early residents as a crown around it.
Some history for Spearfish may be found on this page.
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Attractions
The Black Hills Passion Play
over 66 years.
One of the greatest stories every told!
Find more information about Spearfish at this informative site.
Matthews Opera House
For ticket info call 642-7973
Spearfish Canyon
a picturesque canyon with a 19 miles scenic byway and some of the magnificent scenery in the Black Hills.
High Plains Western Heritage Center
825 Heritage Drive
P.O. Box 524
Spearfish, SD 57783
Phone (605) 642-WEST(9378)
Fantastic exhibits, Deadwood Stagecoach, artifacts, farming implements, shows and live entertainment are available throughout the year.
Festival in the Park
held the third weekend in July each year.
Arts and Crafts show with over 200 varied and interesting booths.
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Spearfish City Government
City of Spearfish625 5th Street
Spearfish, SD 57783
Spearfish Chamber
Spearfish Area Chamber of CommercePO Box 550
106 W. Kansas
Spearfish, SD 57783
Phone 1-605-642-26261
Toll-free 1-800-626-8013
Spearfish Community News
The Rapid City JournalSpearfish Organizations
Spearfish Area Chamber of CommercePO Box 550
106 W. Kansas
Spearfish, SD 57783
Phone 1-605-642-26261
Toll-free 1-800-626-8013
Spearfish Libraries
Grace Ballock Memorial Library625 Fifth Street
Spearfish, South Dakota 57783
Phone 605 642-1330
Spearfish Schools
Spearfish School District525 E. Illinois
Spearfish SD 57783
Phone (605)717-1201
Fax (605)717-1200
HIGHER EDUCATION
Black Hills State University
1200 University St.
Spearfish SD 57799
Phone (605)642-6111
Fax (605)642-6763 Spearfish
Miscellany
The population of Spearfish was:1890 - 671
1980 - 5,251 1990 - 6,966
2000 - 8,606
2002 - 8,650
2005 - 9,355
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