Hermosa, South Dakota Facts for Kids

Hermosa was started in 1886 by the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad. The railroad later became part of the Chicago and North Western Railway. The town was named "Hermosa" because it means "beautiful" in Spanish. This name was chosen because of the lovely views of the Black Hills and the wide grasslands around it.

The railroad built the town about a mile uphill from an old stagecoach stop. A post office has been open in Hermosa since 1886. In the early 1960s, a Titan missile silo was built near Hermosa.

Geography of Hermosa

Hermosa is a small town that covers about 0.48 square miles (1.24 square kilometers) of land. It has no water areas.

Population Changes in Hermosa

The number of people living in Hermosa has changed over the years.

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1890	172	—
1900	77	−55.2%
1910	114	48.1%
1920	74	−35.1%
1930	128	73.0%
1940	121	−5.5%
1950	123	1.7%
1960	126	2.4%
1970	150	19.0%
1980	251	67.3%
1990	242	−3.6%
2000	315	30.2%
2010	398	26.3%
2020	382	−4.0%
U.S. Decennial Census

Hermosa's Population in 2010

In 2010, there were 398 people living in Hermosa. These people lived in 158 households. Most of the people were White (88.7%). Some were Native American, Asian, or from other backgrounds. About 5.3% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

About 33.5% of households had children under 18. The average age in Hermosa was 36.8 years old.

Education in Hermosa

Hermosa has an elementary school for students up to 8th grade. After 8th grade, most students go to high school in Rapid City. The first school in Hermosa opened in 1886. A new, bigger school building was built in 1889.

This two-story building was later bought by the Freemasons. They used it as their meeting place until 2000. Today, this historic building is a museum and a community center. It is managed by the Hermosa Arts and History Association.

Economy and Activities in Hermosa

In the past, tin was mined near Hermosa. The town was also a place where cattle were loaded onto trains. Since Custer State Park opened in 1919, Hermosa has been a popular stop for tourists. Many visitors pass through on their way to the Black Hills.

The Custer County Fairground is located in Hermosa. The town also has a small downtown area with businesses along U.S. Route 79. Local favorites include Lintz Brothers pizza and Roy's Drive-in, which has two large digital screens.

Famous People from Hermosa

Gutzon Borglum: He lived on a ranch in Hermosa while working on Mount Rushmore.
Bower family: This family was the subject of a Disney movie called The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band.
Linda Hasselstrom: She is a rancher and an author.

Images for kids

Flag of Hermosa
Map showing Hermosa's location

Hermosa, South Dakota facts for kids

Contents

History of Hermosa