Howard, South Dakota is a small city located in Miner County, in the southeastern part of the state. It is situated at the intersection of two major highways, US-14 and US-81, making it an important transportation hub for the region. The city’s location also provides easy access to both Sioux Falls and Mitchell.
The city of Howard has a total area of 1.3 square miles with 0.4 square miles being land and 0.9 square miles being water. It is situated on a high plain on the edge of Lake Herman State Park which provides plenty of recreational activities such as fishing, boating and swimming for residents to enjoy year-round.
The terrain surrounding Howard is mostly flat with some rolling hills to the west and south which provide stunning views for visitors and locals alike. To the north lies Big Sioux River which marks the border between South Dakota and Minnesota while to the east lies Lake Herman State Park which includes several small lakes, wetlands, prairies and forests that provide habitat for many species of wildlife native to the area.
The climate in Howard is typical for South Dakota with cold winters and hot summers due to its continental climate type. The average winter temperature is around 25°F while in summer it can reach up to 90°F during peak months like July and August.
Howard’s geography makes it an ideal place for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking or fishing while its proximity to larger cities like Sioux Falls or Mitchell provides convenient access to shopping centers, restaurants and other amenities that make living here comfortable year-round.
History of Howard, South Dakota
Howard, South Dakota is a small city located in Miner County in the southeastern part of the state. It was founded in 1876 when the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad came through the area and built a depot to service the area. The town was named after former US Senator from Minnesota, Henry Mower Rice, who was influential in bringing the railroad through this part of South Dakota. The first post office opened in Howard in 1877 and by 1880, the population had grown to over 300 people.
In its early days, Howard was a thriving agricultural community with many farmers growing barley, wheat and corn as well as raising livestock such as cattle and sheep. By 1900, Howard had become an important shipping point for grain and livestock with several grain elevators being built in town and numerous stockyards for shipping animals across the country.
The city also gained notoriety after it became an important stop on the Sioux City & Pacific Railroad which ran from Sioux City Iowa to Mitchell South Dakota. This allowed Howard to become one of the most important transportation hubs for freight between Sioux City and Mitchell during this time period.
In recent years, Howard has experienced a revitalization with new businesses coming into town such as restaurants, stores and even an art gallery that celebrates local talent. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year including their annual Fourth of July celebration which brings thousands of visitors to the town each year for fireworks displays, parades and other festivities.
Howard has a rich history that dates back over 140 years making it one of the oldest cities in South Dakota. It’s also been able to maintain its small-town charm while adapting with time by embracing new businesses that have helped make it a great place to live or visit today.
Economy of Howard, South Dakota
According to Allcountrylist, Howard, South Dakota is a small city located in Miner County in the southeastern part of the state. It is home to a diverse and vibrant economy that has been able to sustain itself over the years. The main industries in Howard are agriculture, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, retail and tourism.
Agriculture has been an important part of Howard’s economy since its founding in 1876 when the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad came through the area and built a depot to service the area. Today, farmers still grow barley, wheat and corn as well as raising livestock such as cattle and sheep. Many of these products are shipped across the country from Howard’s grain elevators and stockyards.
Manufacturing has also played an important role in Howard’s economy with several factories producing products such as furniture, paper products and clothing for sale across South Dakota and beyond. Construction is another key industry with many local contractors providing services to businesses throughout Miner County.
Healthcare is also an important part of Howard’s economy with several hospitals providing care to residents from all over South Dakota. Retail businesses are also thriving in town with many shops selling everything from books to clothing to home furnishings.
Finally, tourism has become increasingly important for Howard’s economy over the last decade or so with visitors coming from all over South Dakota for events such as their annual Fourth of July celebration or their popular summer festivals that feature art exhibitions, live music performances and more. These events have helped bring thousands of visitors into town each year which helps support local businesses while bringing much needed revenue into the city coffers each year.
Howard has managed to maintain a diverse economic base that helps keep it financially healthy while providing jobs for its citizens year-round. With its rich history combined with modern amenities such as restaurants and stores, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to make it their home or visit it on vacation each year.
Politics in Howard, South Dakota
Howard, South Dakota has a long and rich history of political involvement. The city was founded in 1876 and incorporated in 1883, making it one of the oldest cities in the state. Over the years, Howard has seen its share of political turmoil and upheaval, but it has also seen periods of relative calm and stability.
Howard is part of Miner County, which is represented in the South Dakota House of Representatives by three members. Howard is located within District 25A, which is currently held by Republican Representative Bruce Rampelberg. The city also falls within District 25B, which is currently held by Democratic Representative Tim Reed. At the state level, Howard is represented in the South Dakota Senate by two members from District 25: Republican Senator Jenna Haggar and Democratic Senator Troy Heinert. All representatives are elected to two-year terms during statewide elections every two years.
At the federal level, Howard falls within South Dakota’s At-Large Congressional District which is currently held by Republican Representative Dusty Johnson. This district covers all of South Dakota’s counties as well as parts of North Dakota and Nebraska. Representatives are elected to two-year terms during nationwide elections every two years.
The City of Howard has a mayor-council form of government with a five-member city council that serves four year terms with staggered elections every two years for three members at a time. The mayor serves an additional four year term with elections occurring every four years on odd numbered years when no other council seats are up for election.
The City Council meets on the first Monday of each month at 6pm local time to discuss issues pertaining to local government operations as well as any proposed ordinances or resolutions that may be brought before them for consideration or vote. The mayor presides over these meetings but does not have any voting power unless there is a tie vote among council members when he or she may cast an additional deciding vote if deemed necessary by him or her at their discretion.
In summary, Howard has a long history of political involvement both locally and nationally that helps shape its identity today as an important part of Miner County and South Dakota as a whole while continuing to play an active role in both state and national politics through its representatives both locally and at large levels alike.
