“On the eastern slopes of the Black Hills, standing majestically on the banks of Battle Creek for over 400 years, the Council Oak Tree (the largest Burr Oak in South Dakota) witnessed the unfolding of history in this area. When gold was discovered in these sacred valleys of Paha Sapa in the early 1870’s it was only a matter of a few months until miners, homesteaders, and business men, began pourin
g into the region. In the spring, June 14th, 1886, to be exact, Hermosa was founded as the survey crew crossed Battle Creek about a mile east and north of the Battle River Stage Station. The railroad officials were enthusiastic over the beauty of the new site, with Harney Peak to the west and a broad fertile valley to the east. They felt that ‘Hermosa’, meaning ‘beautiful’ in Spanish, was indeed the most appropriate name for the location”. (Hesnard, D. (1986). Hermosa, 1886-1986; Railroads, Cowboys and Memories, (pg. 1, 2)
Moving into the 21st Century, Hermosa has become a growing community offering a central location to all the area’s surrounding magnificent sites. Once dubbed the ‘Hub to History and Adventure’, Hermosa serves as the eastern gateway to the beautiful Black Hills. It is located a mere 20 miles north east of the Custer State Park entrance and only 15 miles east of the historic Mt. Rushmore. In thirty minutes or less you could be driving through the Badland Lands National Park or it’s out skirting National Grass Lands, walking through Rushmore Cave, sitting in the healing waters of the hot springs, gazing at the abundant wildlife in the Black Hills, hunting for fossils or Fairburn agates, indulging yourself in the rich history of the Native American Sioux Tribe, or enjoying a day of shopping in Keystone, Hill City, or Rapid City. In addition to being a central location, Hermosa also offers several locally owned dining options; whether it’s the mouth watering prime rib from the Rockin’ R Steak House, one of many delicious specialty pizzas from the famous Lintz Brothers Pizza, an authentic Mexican cuisine from El Restauranté Hermosa, the daily lunch special at the Community Senior Center, or just a quick bite from the Flying J Truck Stop Deli. Summertime is a busy time for the Town of Hermosa. We host an annual talent show presented by our local Post #303 American Legion, as well as monthly mud bogs, rodeos, and dances. Be on the lookout for our Annual Beers n’ Ears event that takes place on Saturday afternoon during our four-day Custer County Fair event every August, followed by the annual parade that Sunday morning. In the summer of 2011, we will be celebrating Hermosa’s 125th Anniversary. For more information on the intriguing history of Hermosa, stop in for a tour of the Hermosa Arts & History Association (HAHA Museum), or visit our Custer County Branch Library located on Main St. Check out the town’s current event schedule for dates and times at our Custer Area Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center located conveniently off Highway 79 at the Battle Creek Real Estate Agency in Hermosa. If you plan on sticking around for the plentiful hunting or fishing opportunities nearby, consider staying at either of our campgrounds; the Heartland RV Park & Campground or the Rockin’ R Campground; both provide cabin rentals, tent sites, and accommodations for campers and RVs. Hermosa is not only a great place to visit, but a safe and welcoming place to raise your family. Our Hermosa elementary/middle school boasts an impressive student/teacher ratio along with a newly constructed gymnasium inclusive with exercise equipment. A local grocery store, several churches and various local watering holes are some of the many other amenities Hermosa has to offer. Whether you’re visiting, relocating your family or expanding your business, Hermosa really is the most accommodating and convenient place surrounding the Black Hills, offering one of the lowest mill levies in the state with plenty of room for residential or commercial expansion. Further details will be available on our website coming in spring, 2011.
