Deadwood in Lawrence County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Partners in Land Preservation
— A Trail to Deadwood's Past —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2023
1. Partners in Land Preservation Marker
Deadwood's viewshed is an integral component that truly makes this community unique to the visitors who come here annually. Poised in the center of the downtown core district is McGovern Hill, an erosional feature carved by Whitewood and Deadwood Creeks over the millennia. The summit provided adequate elevation for land surveyors to map Deadwood Gulch, and designated the summit, "Monument Locate #01" for the Whitewood Mining District. The steep topography and water supply provided a suitable location for gold reduction efforts by the Homestake Mining Company (HMC). The HMC Slime Plant, constructed in 1906 remained in operation into the 1970s.
In recent years, discussions on developing McGovern Hill became a major concern. This development would cause an adverse effect upon Deadwood's status as a National Historic Landmark.
On April 20, 2021, Dale and Earline Morris, owners of the Deadwood Mountain Grand, entered into a conservation easement agreement with the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission. Under this easement, the hillside would remain undeveloped, provide a public open space, and preserve the historic viewshed for future generations.
Today, hikers and non-motorized vehicles can enjoy this parcel of land through the Homestake Trail.
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is April 20, 2021.
Location. 44° 22.204′ N, 103° 43.908′ W. Marker is in Deadwood, South Dakota, in Lawrence County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Charles Street (CanAm Highway) (U.S. 85) and Stewart Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on the George S. Mickelson Trail (rail trail), about 0.2 mile west of the Deadwood Trailhead. Access to the marker is via bicycle or foot. 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. Cleveland (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rev. L.R.S. Ferguson Ski & Sled Area (about 500 feet away); McGovern Hill (about 700 feet away); The Resilient Whitewood Creek (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad Yard (approx. 0.2 miles away); George S. Mickelson Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Burlington Interurban Power Plant (approx. 0.2 miles away); Radial Brick Smokestack (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deadwood.
More about this marker. This marker is located at the intersection of the George S.
City of Deadwood Archives
2. Marker detail: Deadwood Gulch, 1909
Des Moines, Iowa photographer F.J. Bandholtz recorded Deadwood Gulch using a panoramic camera in 1909. This image was cropped from the original 10 x 48 inch panoramic photograph taken from the Mount Moriah Cemetery overlook. The focal point is McGovern Hill and the land that is now part of the conservation easement.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. McGovern Hill. This link presents a variety of historic photos and associated commentary related to Deadwood's McGovern Hill. (Submitted on October 20, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Homestake Slime Plant, Deadwood SD. Excerpt:
1908 photo of Homestake slime plant with Lawrence County Courthouse at center foreground. The slime plant processed cyanide laced finely ground gold ore and by filtering the ore removed the gold.(Submitted on October 20, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Homestake Mining Company. Excerpt:
Homestake Mining Company was one of the largest gold mining businesses in the United States and the owner of the Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota. Founded in 1877, it was acquired by Barrick Gold in December 2001.(Submitted on October 20, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
4. Homestake Trail. Excerpt:
Homestake Trail is a 5.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail which offers outdoor enthusiasts a fair amount of everything and connects the historic cities of Deadwood and Lead. From incredible sights to the feel of being in the(Submitted on October 20, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)backcountry, one traverse on this trail will never be enough.
3. Marker detail: Dale and Earline Morris
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2023
4. Partners in Land Preservation Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 20, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
