I think this is fascinating.
If all goes according to plan, South Dakota will soon be the home to the nation' s only town designed specifically for signing/deaf community. The land has been purchased and the town plans are complete (you can see them here). The town will be called Laurent, after Laurent Clerc who brought sign language to the US from France, and will be located between Sioux Falls and Mitchell. The town planners say the population could be around 2500 in just a few years.
What's fascinating to me aside the fact that the town will be use American Sign Language and English as its primary modes of communication, is that it's possible to just start a town. Most of the towns in South Dakota were started in the late 1800's when people where homesteading and, as far as I know, not many news ones have popped up in the last century. In fact, I think it's fair to say that a lot more small towns have actually disappeared. That said, according to the Laurent's website, South Dakota's a great place to start your own town. Here's their explanation:
If you're as captivated by this as I am, the New York Times did a story on Laurent a few weeks ago. Click here (you might have to sign in).
What's fascinating to me aside the fact that the town will be use American Sign Language and English as its primary modes of communication, is that it's possible to just start a town. Most of the towns in South Dakota were started in the late 1800's when people where homesteading and, as far as I know, not many news ones have popped up in the last century. In fact, I think it's fair to say that a lot more small towns have actually disappeared. That said, according to the Laurent's website, South Dakota's a great place to start your own town. Here's their explanation:
Size does matter and South Dakota’s population is only 754,844. McCook County’s population is 5,832. Laurent’s planned population will be somewhere between 1,250 to 4,000 people. With these numbers, we can expect to have political influence and an economic impact at both the county and state levels. We will be one of the top 15 largest cities in the state. We can build next to the interstate 90. This location is central to the United States and easy to reach by auto or air. The climate provides four seasons and the area gets over 250 days of sunshine a year. South Dakota provides excellent low interest financing for first time homebuyers through the SDHDA program. In South Dakota, there is no corporate tax, no income tax, no personal property tax and no inheritance tax. In 1992, Money Magazine named Sioux Falls, which is approximately 35 miles east of Laurent’s location, as the #1 best place in America to live. This area is still a great place to live.
If you're as captivated by this as I am, the New York Times did a story on Laurent a few weeks ago. Click here (you might have to sign in).
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