Rapid City, SD is the second largest city in South Dakota and the Gateway to the Black Hills. Rapid City was derived from Rapid Creek on which it is built. Settlement of Rapid City started in 1876, although at that time, white settlement was forbidden by treaties signed by the Indians and the U.S. Government. In April of 1877, the United States government established a post office in Rapid City and recognized the town. As the gold rush continued, Rapid City, South Dakota became the hub of commerce for shipments into the mining towns. Stages from Ft. Pierre and Sidney, Neb., served the new town of Rapid City and merchants started setting up shops. Today Rapid City is the Mecca for the tourist trade in the Black Hills and the gateway for almost any destination in the Black Hills.