This partial list of city nicknames in South Dakota compiles the aliases, sobriquets and slogans that cities and towns in South Dakota are known by (or have been known by historically), officially and unofficially, to municipal governments, local people, outsiders or their tourism boards or chambers of commerce. City nicknames can help in establishing a civic identity, helping outsiders recognize a community or attracting people to a community because of its nickname; promote civic pride; and build community unity.Muench, David "Wisconsin Community Slogans: Their Use and Local Impacts" , December 1993, accessed April 10, 2007. Nicknames and slogans that successfully create a new community "ideology or myth" are also believed to have economic value. Their economic value is difficult to measure, but there are anecdotal reports of cities that have achieved substantial economic benefits by "branding" themselves and adopting new slogans.Alfredo Andia, Branding the Generic City :) , MU.DOT magazine, September 10, 2007
Some unofficial nicknames are positive, while others are derisive. The unofficial nicknames listed here have been in use for a long time or have gained wide currency. Aberdeen The Hub CityPreserve America Community, Preserve America, accessed February 22, 2016. The Town in the Frog PondThe Town in the Frog Pond, Aberdeen Area History, accessed February 23, 2016. Clark – Potato Capital of South DakotaClaims to Fame - Agriculture, Epodunk, accessed April 16, 2007. Fort Thompson – Paddlefish Capital of the World Leola – Rhubarb Capital of the WorldReader's Report: Good Ol' Cast Iron , Farmer's Almanac Television, April 2005, accessed April 22, 2007. "Whet your "rhubarb appetite" and watch for Jodi's report and recipes from Leola's Rhubarb Days. This town of 500 is the Rhubarb Capital of the World!" Rapid City The Gateway to the Black HillsBlack Hills Trip Planner, accessed February 22, 2016 Real America Up CloseTagline Guru City Branding Survey, Tagline Guru website, accessed Aug 18, 2009 Star of the West Redfield – Pheasant Capital of the WorldRedfield city website, accessed February 19, 2010 Sioux Falls – Gateway to the PlainsClaims to Fame - Agriculture , Epodunk, accessed April 10, 2008.Berlin Chamber of Commerce website, accessed June 27, 2009 Spearfish, South Dakota – The Queen City Watertown – South Dakota's Rising StarWelcome to Watertown, Watertown, accessed February 22, 2016
See also List of city nicknames in the United States
References