According to countryvv, Alexandria, South Dakota is a small town located in the southeastern corner of the state. It is situated about ten miles east of the Missouri River and just north of the Iowa border. With an estimated population of 682 people, Alexandria is one of several small towns that make up the rural landscape of South Dakota.
The geography of Alexandria consists primarily of gently rolling hills and wide open plains. The soil in this area is rich and fertile, making it ideal for farming and ranching activities. The town itself is situated on a plateau surrounded by rolling hills that rise to more than 1,000 feet in elevation.
The climate in Alexandria is generally mild with hot summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures reach highs in the low 80s while winter temperatures can dip into the teens at night. Snowfall averages around twenty inches per year while total precipitation remains relatively constant throughout the year at around thirty-five inches annually.
Alexandria lies within two major watersheds – the Big Sioux River Basin to the north and east and the James River Basin to the south and west – which provide ample water resources for local residents as well as recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming, boating, and camping along their banks.
Overall, Alexandria offers a unique combination of geography that makes it an ideal location for those looking to escape city life while still enjoying easy access to amenities like schools, stores, restaurants and other services that make life easier for its residents.
History of Alexandria, South Dakota
Alexandria, South Dakota was founded in 1881 by a group of settlers from Iowa and Nebraska. The town was named after the city of Alexandria, Virginia and was originally intended to be a stop on the new railroad line connecting Sioux City, Iowa to Pierre, South Dakota.
In its early years, Alexandria served as an agricultural center for the surrounding area. The town’s population grew steadily throughout the late 19th century and early 20th century as homesteaders arrived looking for new opportunities.
In 1906, Alexandria became a hub for education when a two-room schoolhouse was built to serve the local community. This schoolhouse eventually expanded into a full-fledged high school which still stands today as the oldest continuously operating public high school in South Dakota.
The Great Depression hit Alexandria hard but it managed to survive and rebuild itself into an industrial center during World War II with the help of several defense contractors who set up shop in the area. Afterward, it continued to grow steadily until it reached its current population of 682 people in 2020.
Throughout its history, Alexandria has remained an integral part of South Dakota life and culture. It is home to many local festivals and events such as the annual Summerfest celebrations which take place every July 4th weekend. It also hosts numerous other activities such as farmers markets and art festivals throughout the year that attract visitors from all over the state and beyond.
Economy of Alexandria, South Dakota
Alexandria, South Dakota is a small town with a population of 682 people. Despite its size, it has a strong and diverse economy that is driven by agriculture, industry and tourism.
Agriculture has always been the backbone of the Alexandria economy. The town is located in the fertile James River Valley which provides ample opportunity for farmers to cultivate crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat. In addition to crop production, livestock including cattle, sheep and hogs are also raised in the area.
Industry also plays an important role in Alexandria’s economy. Several defense contractors have set up shop in the area over the years including General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and Boeing. These companies provide jobs for local residents as well as economic stimulus for the entire community.
Tourism is another major contributor to Alexandria’s economy. The town is situated along the banks of the James River which makes it a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating and camping. It also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year including Summerfest which brings people from all over South Dakota and beyond to enjoy music, food and entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Overall, Alexandria’s economy is diverse and resilient despite its small size. Its combination of agriculture, industry and tourism ensures that there are plenty of job opportunities available for its residents while providing economic stability for years to come.
Politics in Alexandria, South Dakota
Alexandria, South Dakota is a small town with a population of 682 people that has an active political landscape. As a rural community, local politics are largely focused on issues such as infrastructure, economic development and education.
The town is part of the larger Hughes County which is represented by two state senators and one representative in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Alexandria also has its own mayor who serves as the chief executive for the city government. The mayor is elected every two years and is responsible for overseeing all local affairs including the budget, public safety and infrastructure projects.
At the federal level, Alexandria is represented by Senator John Thune in the United States Senate and Representative Dusty Johnson in the United States House of Representatives. In addition to these representatives, Alexandria’s citizens also have access to their state senator and representative who are responsible for representing their interests in Pierre, South Dakota’s state capital.
Alexandria’s citizens are actively engaged in local politics through various organizations such as neighborhood associations, community groups and political clubs. These organizations provide an opportunity for residents to discuss current issues facing their town as well as ways to address them through advocacy and voter participation. In addition to these groups, Alexandria also has several civic clubs that focus on promoting volunteerism and community service throughout the area.
Overall, Alexandria’s citizens are passionate about their local politics which makes it an ideal place for residents to get involved in shaping their community’s future. Through engaging with local representatives, attending town meetings and participating in neighborhood associations or civic clubs – Alexandrians can make sure that their voices are heard when it comes to deciding what is best for their town.