The Black Hills [1] developed as a natural resource–rich island surrounded by the grasslands of South Dakota and Wyoming. Early industries, including mining, logging, farming, ranching, and tourism, remain major sources of revenue for Black Hills communities to this day.
The community of Rapid City [2], the only major urban area in the region, continues to provide the bulk of the area’s services, including health care, retail sales, and financial services. Rapid is also host to the only commercial airport in the area.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/mt-rushmore-the-black-hills/discover-mount-rushmore-the-black-hills
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/mt-rushmore-the-black-hills/mount-rushmore-and-the-central-hills/rapid-city