“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 pouring 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.  Pete Folsom, the chief engineer for the Pioneer Townsite Company, is credited with naming the new town ‘Hermosa’.  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) 

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Hermosa is a growing community offering a central location to all the area’s surrounding magnificent sites. 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.

  

 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.