Deadwood in Lawrence County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Gold Discovery in the Great Sioux Reservation
Photographed By Connor Olson, October 6, 2021
1. Gold Discovery in the Great Sioux Reservation Marker
Replacement marker
Who the first prospector was -
and when and where gold was
discovered in Deadwood Gulch
is open to question. It is generally
agreed that the Frank Bryant
party found the gold in August
1875 on Whitewood Creek,
probably 100 yards downstream
from this spot. At that time, the
Black Hills were a part of the
Sioux Reservation, and whites
were not permitted to live and
work in Indian Territory.
However, with the discovery of
gold, miners quickly flooded into
Deadwood Gulch, largely
ignoring the order to keep out
of Indian Territory. Early prospectors kept their activities secret, which contributes to the mystery surrounding the Deadwood Gulch discovery. The military expedition of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer triggered the Deadwood gold rush in 1874 with the confirmation of rumors of gold on the Sioux Reservation.
The proclamation at left illustrates a government attempt to keep prospectors out of Indian Territory. In spite of such laws, miners swarmed to the Black Hills. The miners' presence remained illegal until the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty was ratified in February 1877.
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1877.
Location. 44° 22.476′ N, 103° 43.828′ W. Marker is in Deadwood, South Dakota, in Lawrence County. Marker is on Deadwood Mount Drive south of Pine Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Deadwood SD 57732, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bonanza in the Hills (here, next to this marker); Riches from Mud (here, next to this marker); Architecture of a Unique Building Complex (here, next to this marker); President Taft Comes to Deadwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Civic Stability (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lawrence County Jails & Capital Punishment (about 400 feet away); Black Hills Railroads (about 400 feet away); Weight a Minute (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deadwood.
Also see . . . Black Hills Expedition (1874). (Submitted on November 19, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Connor Olson, October 6, 2021
2. Gold Discovery in the Great Sioux Reservation Marker (Second from right)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2009
3. Whitewood Creek
July 23, 2009
4. Proclamation expelling all unauthorized citizens from the Black Hills
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2009
5. Former Gold Discovery in the Great Sioux Reservation Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,038 times since then and 52 times this year. Last updated on October 5, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on November 19, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on November 21, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5. submitted on November 19, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
