Originally a stop on the Milwaukee Railroad, Box Elder later became home to Ellsworth Air Force Base, a multi-wing, multi-mission defense base, now it is the home of the B1B Bomber. The skies over Box Elder are often filled with all types of military aircraft, B-1, B-2, T-38, T-37, helicopters, tankers, and all types of visiting aircraft from around the country. The Air and Space Museum is located just outside the gates of Ellsworth AFB. There are many types of aircraft on display at the museum to examine.
History
In the late 1800s, the present day Box Elder was only a fertile valley. Lone Tree, a few miles east of Box Elder, was a stop for the covered wagons and horsemen who were going from Fort Pierre to the Black Hills Stage and Wagon Road. In 1907, the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad built its track from Wasta to Rapid City. This was the beginning of the present day Box Elder. Box Elder got its name from the large number of boxelder trees, from the Ashleaf Maple to the Acer Negundo, along Box Elder Creek flowing through the valley.
Recreation/Community Activity
There are three city parks they are located on South Ellsworth Road, Vucurevich Drive (off of Line Rd), and in the Thunderbird Homes development. The park on S. Ellsworth Road has a basketball court and baseball diamonds, and is home to the “Bandit Ball Little League.” The park on Vucurevich Drive is near Box Elder Creek and has swings, merry-go-rounds, horseshoe pits, and other playground equipment. It has a nice picnic area facility. The Boykin park and Veterans Memorial in Thunderbird Homes are newly developed.
Contact Information
- City Hall, 520 N. Ellsworth Rd, Ste 9C
- Box Elder SD 57719-2017
- Phone: 605-923-1404
- dknapp@boxelder.us
