Alex Carlton Johnson, a former vice president of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, was founder of the Alex Johnson Hotel. An admirer of American Indians, he spoke of a shrine and tribute to the Sioux Indian Nation. The structural design is a blend of two spirits, the heritage of the Plains Indians and the Germanic Tudor architecture representing German immigration to the Dakotas. Independently owned, the hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of the Rockies. Alex Johnson Hotel consists of more than 140 rooms. Established in 1928, Alex Johnson Hotel is located in Rapid City, S.D.