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

Inscription. 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 Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1877.

Location.

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44° 22.476′ N, 103° 43.828′ W. Marker is in Deadwood, South Dakota, in Lawrence County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in West River.

It is also in the American Black Hills,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

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); Lawrence County Great World War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lest We Forget (about 300 feet away); Job Corps Project (about 300 feet away); Civic Stability (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deadwood.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Gold in the Gulch (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Black Hills Expedition (1874). (Submitted on November 19, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Gold Discovery in the Great Sioux Reservation Marker (Second from right) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Connor Olson, October 6, 2021

2. Gold Discovery in the Great Sioux Reservation Marker (Second from right)

Whitewood Creek image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2009

3. Whitewood Creek

Proclamation expelling all unauthorized citizens from the Black Hills image. Click for full size.

July 23, 2009

4. Proclamation expelling all unauthorized citizens from the Black Hills

Former Gold Discovery in the Great Sioux Reservation Marker image. Click for full size.

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 1,374 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on October 5, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, 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.