Sturgis

Sturgis, city, seat (1889) of Meade county, western South Dakota, U.S. It lies about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Rapid City on Bear Butte Creek, at the northeastern edge of Black Hills National Forest. It was founded in 1878 on a site just west of Fort Meade and was named for Lieutenant Jack Sturgis, who died with Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Sturgis is a trade centre for an agricultural region producing cattle, sheep, hay, and wheat. Health care, particularly at the veterans medical centre, is important to the economy, and there is some lumbering in the national forest. Manufactures include firearms, ammunition, and wood products. The city is known for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August), first held in 1938, an event that draws thousands of motorcycle fans to the city for races, cycle shows, and concerts. There is also a motorcycle museum and hall of fame. A museum at Fort Meade preserves the fort’s history. The Poker Alice House (c. 1890) once housed a casino, dance hall, and brothel. Bear Butte State Park and Black Hills National Cemetery are nearby. Inc. 1888. Pop. (2000) 6,442; (2010) 6,627.