Hooker. Bonesteel. Peever. Like all great states, South Dakota has its fair share of towns and communities with humorous and sometimes downright bizarre names, the most confusing of which may be Johnson Siding. We know what you’re thinking: Johnson Siding? Is that some sort of locally-owned home improvement store or something? Strangely enough, Johnson Siding is not a South Dakota hardware store but rather a tiny town with a fascinating history.

Located 10 miles west of Rapid City, Johnson Siding is an unincorporated Pennington County community that is home to nearly 700 residents and a handful of businesses.
Google Street View
Like many other Mount Rushmore State towns, Johnson Siding has deep railroad-era roots, as the town was built alongside the Crouch Line of the Black Hills and Western Railroad, bringing new families and jobs to the area.
Google Street View
In addition to the railroad, Johnson Siding was also home to the Johnson Sawmill, which was established in the 1890s by Swedish immigrant John Johnson and supplied lumber to both the railroad and area businesses. 
Johnson Siding General Store Facebook

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John Johnson? Was he the namesake of Johnson Siding? The answer is yes: the Johnson portion of the community's name came from the local business owner, with "Siding" coming from a railroad term meaning a "low-speed track section distinct from a running line or through-route such as a mainline or branch line or spur."
Google Street View
When you visit Johnson Siding - which is part of the Rapid City Rimrock Area - today, you will not only meet friendly residents, but you'll also have a chance to visit a popular Sturgis stop: the all-in-one Johnson Siding General Store! 
Johnson Siding General Store Facebook
For more to see and do around the Johnson Siding area, be sure to like Johnson Siding General Store on Facebook.
Johnson Siding General Store Facebook

For even more South Dakota towns with strange names, check out Most People Don’t Know The Meaning Behind These 13 South Dakota Towns.

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Featured Addresses
Johnson Siding, Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57702, USA