26 Small American Towns With Secret Celebrity Connections

26. Mitchell, South Dakota: George McGovern's Prairie Conscience

Beyond his 1972 presidential run, George McGovern’s legacy is deeply rooted in his Mitchell upbringing and lifelong fight against hunger. The McGovern Center at Dakota Wesleyan University explores his commitment to practical, prairie-populist ideals. His work led to vital international food programs like McGovern-Dole Food for Education, impacting millions globally. Mitchell remembers McGovern not just as a politician, but as a dedicated public servant whose South Dakota values translated into tireless advocacy for the world’s most vulnerable, showcasing how small-town roots can inspire global change.