On U.S. 18 at 230th Avenue (State Highway 73), on the right when traveling west on U.S. 18.
Camp BF-3: located 1 mile E, 4 miles S, 1 mile W & 5 miles S
Company: 4723 May 1937-Fall 1939
The Civilian Conservation Corps was a federal relief program during 1933-1942 that gave jobless men work renovating abused lands. The Army . . . — — Map (db m137082) HM
Near 5th Avenue (CanAm Highway) (U.S. 85) just north of Faulk Street, on the right when traveling north.
[marker on south side of cabin] This cabin, built in 1876 of logs split & transported by Spaulding from the Black Hills, was the first home on the Redwater & what became Butte County. An experienced scout, familiar with the . . . — — Map (db m234772) HM
On State Street (Business U.S. 212) just east of 8th Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
From this location you are able to view the “Beautiful Forks” of the Redwater River as it runs into the Belle Fourche River as named by French explorers as they passed through the area over 200 years ago. Of course, “Belle Fourche” (pronounced . . . — — Map (db m234799) HM
Near 5th Avenue (U.S. 85) north of Faulk Street, on the right when traveling north.
This cabin, the first in this vicinity was built by John T. Spaulding and his brother-in-law, Thomas J.Davis, in 1876-77 as a home for himself and Mr. and Mrs. Lucinda Davis and family. It was located on Lower Redwater 22 miles S.E. of here from . . . — — Map (db m280265) HM
Near 6th Avenue just north of Indian Street, on the left when traveling north.
A.G. Challis built the 1st plank jail in 1896 (for under $400) where City Hall now stands. Unfortunately, an exuberant “one-legged” celebrant arrested at the Black Hills Soldiers & Sailors Reunion, built a fire on the unusually cool night & burned . . . — — Map (db m234740) HM
Near 5th Avenue (U.S. 85/212) just north of Faulk Street, on the right when traveling north.
[west side]Dedicated to those who answered our Nations call in the pursuit of freedom. ”The Forgotten War” 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953 [east side]Korea 1950 — 1953 Casualties Dead 54,246 . . . — — Map (db m234857) WM
Near Theodore Roosevelt Expressway (U.S. 85), on the right when traveling north.
Sheepherder's Monuments or stone Johnnies survive the day of the open range. These stone columns were probably built to indicate distance and direction to waterholes and provided the sheepherder with a pastime while tending his flock. — — Map (db m4564) HM
Near 5th Avenue (U.S. 85/212) just north of Faulk Street, on the right when traveling north.
The Great Western Cattle Trail embodied the spirit, determination, and grit of the early cowboys and remains one of the most romantic and interesting times of our past. The entire trail extended from Matamoros, Mexico to Saskatchewan, Canada (Texas . . . — — Map (db m234800) HM
On 5th Ave (U.S. 85) near Edmunds Street, on the right when traveling north.
In 1959 following the admission of Alaska and Hawaii to the Union, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic survey officially designated a point 20 miles north of Belle Fourche, South Dakota as the Geographic Center of the Nation.
Entry of Alaska and Hawaii . . . — — Map (db m4867) HM
When Jedediah was 23 years of age he went to St. Louis and enlisted with General William H. Ashley as an employee of the Rocky Mountain Fur co. In 1823 he was with Ashley and a party of 90 trappers, traders, and boatmen when they were attacked by . . . — — Map (db m179958) HM
In the summer of 1823, two of the first battles between Indians and Whites in South Dakota took place as a result of the desire for revenge. The conflicts began when the Arikara (Sahnish), living along the Missouri River at the time, blamed . . . — — Map (db m113317) HM
Welcome to the Standing Rock National Native American Scenic Byway, an 86 mile route which follows a stretch of highway that climbs up and down the stunning Missouri River breaks and runs past buffalo herds and eagle's nests. History comes . . . — — Map (db m113315) HM
Sakakawea won her place in history as the indomitable guide of Lewis and Clark on their trip to the Pacific in 1805. She was a member of the Shoshoni tribe dwelling near the Big Horn mountains in Montana. In one of the frequent tribal conflicts . . . — — Map (db m190173) HM
Sitting Bull was born on the Grand River a few miles west of Mobridge. His tragic end came at the very place he was born. He was shot when being arrested because of his alleged involvement with the Ghost Dance craze.
Sitting Bull was . . . — — Map (db m127088) HM
"This village is built upon an open prairie, and the gracefully undulating hills the rise in the distance behind it are everywhere covered with a verdant green turf, without a tree or a bush anywhere to be seen. This view was taken from the . . . — — Map (db m113316) HM
Although extensive trade networks were always part of the economies of the indigenous Tribes in North America, the trade in furs between Native peoples and European traders emerged as the major tribal industry on the Missouri River from the . . . — — Map (db m113318) HM
On Highway 12 0.2 miles west of 222nd Ave, on the right when traveling west.
At this point the Bismarck-Deadwood Stage Trail passed in a line extending about 240 miles from northeast to southwest. In 1877, the Dakota Territorial Legislature commissioned the survey of the trail, which transported passengers and freight . . . — — Map (db m190174) HM
On U.S. 79 near County Route 101, on the right when traveling north.
First white man in the Black Hills, this courageous and brawny beaver trapper in 1823 led a dozen Mountain Men from Fort Kiowa to the Yellowstone. His party entered the Black Hills via the old bison trail through Buffalo Gap near here.
Born in . . . — — Map (db m89396) HM
The Black Hills and other forests within the Rocky Mountains region have suffered epidemic mountain pine beetle attacks in recent years. The beetles are native to the Black Hills and commonly infest a few trees throughout the forest. However, the . . . — — Map (db m278099) HM
On Avenue of the Chiefs 0.7 miles north of U.S. 385, on the right when traveling north.
This sculpture, entitled "Death Song" by sculptor, Ernest Berke, depicts a Western Lakota warrior, who was a member of the
Miwa'tani Society. This society was a branch of the highly developed military society, known as the Akicita, which . . . — — Map (db m277251) HM
On Badger Clark Road at Badger Hole, on the right when traveling south on Badger Clark Road.
Home of Charles Badger Clark (1883-1957)
Poet-Laureate
Author,
Lecturer and one of
South
Dakota's best known and beloved citizens.
For
approximately
thirty
years Badger
lived
alone
and wrote in
the cabin built with his own . . . — — Map (db m203436) HM
On Avenue of the Chiefs 0.7 miles north of U.S. 385, on the right when traveling north.
This memorial is placed in tribute to the
innocent victims and the heroic first
responders of the tragic events of
9-11-2001. We honor the lives lost in
New York, Washington D.C. and
Pennsylvania on that solemn day.
While the events of . . . — — Map (db m277259) WM
Badger's brilliant writing style found a place in the
hearts of the people of South Dakota. His words
painted a glowing picture of Western life. He breathed
life into the iconic image of the West: the prairies, the
mountains, the animals. . . . — — Map (db m212472) HM
Near U.S. 16A east of Lower French Creek Road, on the right when traveling east.
Between 1874-1876, thousands of citizens illegally entered the Black Hills in search of gold. Every gold panner, newspaper article, and frontier story told of great wealth and encouraged the onslaught of the region.
The military made vain efforts . . . — — Map (db m121400) HM
Throughout his life, Charles Badger Clark found that he disliked hectic urban areas. He craved the freedom and solitude offered by nature. For this reason, Badger chose to build his home in Custer State Park. Surrounded by ponderosa pines, solace, . . . — — Map (db m215802) HM
Near Mount Rushmore Road, on the right when traveling west.
You are standing near the edge of the largest wildfire ever recorded in the Black Hills. In 16 days during August and September 2000, the Jasper Fire consumed 83,508 acres of timber and meadows, leaving a blackened landscape in its wake.
Even as . . . — — Map (db m288688) HM
Near U.S. 16A east of Lower French Creek Road, on the right when traveling east.
Cultural conflicts erupted across the western Great Plains during the 1860s. Expanding railroads and frontier posts located in traditional hunting grounds impacted the various tribes in the northern plains. Restrictions on westward settlement . . . — — Map (db m121397) HM
Near U.S. 16A east of Lower French Creek Road, on the right when traveling east.
An economic crash in 1873 affected the entire nation. The government, pressured to boost the economy, needed to explore new land. Open land for settlement and rich resources would create markets and new jobs.
George A. Custer and his . . . — — Map (db m121398) HM
On Lower French Creek Road 0.2 miles south of Stockade Lake Drive (U.S. 16A), on the left when traveling south.
In Memory of
Anna Donna Tallent
Teacher and Author.
Born in New York State
April 12, 1827.
Died in Sturgis, S. Dakota
February 13, 1901.
The first white woman
to enter the Black Hills.
Arriving in Custer City
in December . . . — — Map (db m185226) HM
On Washington Street east of 6th Street, on the left when traveling east.
[Primarily recreational information except]
Gold Discovery
Image: The posthumous monument dedication in Way Park to the memory of Horatio N. Ross for his discovery of gold in the Custer area on July 27, 1874. Photo . . . — — Map (db m313104) HM
On French Creek Drive at 6th Street, on the right when traveling east on French Creek Drive.
[Primarily recreational information except]
Flyspeck Billy
[Photo inscribed]
Fly Speck Bill's Grave
Oct.17/97.
Campbell- Ford & Frank McLaughlin
Is this the site of a bit of frontier justice?
Fly Speck Billy, AKA . . . — — Map (db m313117) HM
On Stockade Lake Road (U.S. 16) close to County Route 346.
This picturesque valley was the site of the permanent camp of the Black Hills Expedition of 1874 under the command of General George A. Custer of the 7th Cavalry. Their 5 day stay was the longest stop made during the entire expedition and General . . . — — Map (db m180983) HM
On U.S. 16A 0.6 miles west of Wildlife Loop Road, on the left when traveling west.
The State Game Lodge was built by
Cecil C. Gideon Contractor-Builder in 1919-1922
A.R. Van Dyck - Architect Monroe Nystrom - Stonemason
All three were from the Minneapolis area. Gideon and his wife Elma Mary were the genial hosts . . . — — Map (db m202736) HM
On French Creek Drive at 6th Street, on the right when traveling east on French Creek Drive.
"In the morning when I walk barefoot upon it's soil, I can hear
the very heart of the holy earth."
Chief Sitting Bull 1875
Sitting Bull's great stature as a tribal leader stemmed in no
small part from his gift for simple, almost poetic . . . — — Map (db m313110) HM
On State Highway 87 0.5 miles north of Lame Johnny Road, on the left when traveling north.
Camp SP-3 (DSP-1 in 1934): NE 2 miles, end of CSP road on French Creek. Company: 2757 - 7/28/34-10/1/41.
The Civilian Conservation Corps was a federal work-relief program during the Great Depression. From 1933 to 1942, the CCC provided work for . . . — — Map (db m124589) HM
Near South Playhouse Road east of Needles Highway (State Highway 87).
Camp SP-4 (DSP-2):
Lodge: located in the buildings seen here.
Companies:
2755–7/16/34 - 10/21/35 795–10/29/35 - 1/13/36 1793–4/27/36 - 7/30/42
The Civilian Conservation Corps was a federal relief program during
1933 - 1942 gave jobless . . . — — Map (db m203658) HM
On Mt. Rushmore Road (U.S. 16) at Lightning Creek Road (Forest Road 288), on the right when traveling west on Mt. Rushmore Road.
Camp F-14 Lightning Creek: located 0.7 mile NW on road 288. Companies: 1783V--10/17/33-Spring 34 791--4/30/34-Fall 41
The Civilian Conservation Corps was a federal relief program during 1933-1942 that gave jobless men work renovating abused . . . — — Map (db m185227) HM
Comanche, an Indian mustang ridden by Captain Keogh,
Seventh U.S. Cavalry, was named for the Comanche Indians,
from whom he was captured. The buckskin horse proved
dependable under fire and was ridden by Keogh during
the ill-fated Battle of . . . — — Map (db m125088) HM
Near U.S. 385 south of Avenue of the Chiefs, on the left when traveling south.
The Crazy Horse mountain carving will be the world’s largest sculpture, measuring 563 feet high by 641 feet long, carved in the round. The nine-story-high face of Crazy Horse was completed on June 3, 1998. Work began on the 22-story-high horse’s . . . — — Map (db m155650) HM
On Washington Street at South 5th Street, on the right when traveling east on Washington Street.
United States of America Department of the Army • Department of the Navy • United States Marine Corps • United States Navy • Department of the Air Force • United States Coast Guard • Merchant Marine
"Aim High"
"Semper Paratus"
"This . . . — — Map (db m300673) WM
Charles Badger Clark was born on January 1, 1883, in
Albia, Iowa. His father was a Methodist minister, and
his mother was of Quaker faith. This family heritage
created close ties, and their home was a hub of activities.
Badger stated, "There was . . . — — Map (db m203440) HM
In 1874, George Armstrong Custer led a force of more than 1,000 men on an expedition to the Black Hills to explore and map this little-known area. The photographer with Custer, William H. Illingworth, was the first to take glass-plate photographs in . . . — — Map (db m155656) HM
Near Mount Coolidge Lookout Road near State Highway 87.
Found throughout the mountain west and perched high atop mountains, these manned towers
provide an excellent vantage point for spotting smoke columns and fires.
In Custer State Park fire detection
is a vital tool. The park's fire tower, Mount . . . — — Map (db m204234) HM
On Washington Street east of 6th Street, on the right when traveling east.
Commanded government-ordered
expedition of 1,200 men into
the Black Hills region: July 1874
Died: June 1876
Battle of the Little Bighorn
near Hardin Montana — — Map (db m313099) HM
On French Creek Drive at 6th Street, on the right when traveling east on French Creek Drive.
In July 1874 General George Armstrong Custer led an expedition
to explore the Black Hills, camping near what would later be known
as the town of Custer. Traveling with him were 1,000 soldiers,
100 Indian scouts, 2 famous white scouts, 2 . . . — — Map (db m313114) HM
Site of the first public school building in the Black Hills. Built by Ed Walsh, James Doran, and George Gundlach. Logs were hand hewn from nearby trees and hauled to the site by oxen. First school was held in summer of 1882. Teacher was Mr. . . . — — Map (db m168895) HM
On Mt. Rushmore Road (U.S. 16) 0.2 miles west of Road 282, on the left when traveling west.
Breaking the Records
On August 24, 2000, a carelessly dropped match started what would become the largest fire in the recorded history of South Dakota. By the time the inferno finished its race through the forest, it had consumed 83,508 . . . — — Map (db m37093) HM
On U.S. 16 at Jewel Cave National Monument Entrance Road, on the left when traveling west on U.S. 16.
The Jasper Fire started on August 24, 2000. It burned over 83,000 acres. This includes the entire surface above known parts of Jewel Cave. Will such a large, intense wildfire affect this unique national treasure? Now is our chance to find out. . . . — — Map (db m37095) HM
On Washington Street near South Fifth Street, on the right when traveling east.
L.Cpl. Cody Glenn Engen
1989-2017
2nd Light Armored Recon.
OIF-OEF 0311 USMC
"I have passed the mountain peak and my soul is soaring in the firmament of complete and unbounded freedom, I am in comfort, I am in peace."
Khalil . . . — — Map (db m277267) WM
Badger lived in his cabin until he passed away at the age
of 74. He died from lung cancer on September 26, 1957.
Badger extolled the cowboy way of life. His wording
captured the spirit of personal freedom and open spaces,
symbols of time long . . . — — Map (db m215807) HM
At age 22, after spending time in Mexico, Badger
returned to the Lead-Deadwood area. He thrived on the
notion of returning home and starting a new life in the
Black Hills. He worked as a reporter for the Lead Daily
Call. He also met and . . . — — Map (db m212474) HM
Whether they know it or not, black-tailed prairie dogs are wildlife managers. These ground squirrels are intricately connected to numerous plant and animal species and play a key role in the health and stability of the prairie.
The eating . . . — — Map (db m71076) HM
On Mount Rushmore Road (U.S. 16A) 0.3 miles east of State Highway 89, on the right when traveling east.
Historic Site
Miners Meet
The miners of the Black Hills
held their first meeting to
pass mining regulations at
this location in 1875
— — Map (db m119986) HM
On Needles Highway, on the right when traveling north.
In 1923, on this outlook, beneath Cathedral Spires, South Dakota State Historian Doane Robinson and his family stopped because the Model-T Ford he was driving overheated. He sent son Will down to a stream with a canvas water sack to get water for . . . — — Map (db m312331) HM
On Crook Street east of 6th Street, on the right when traveling east.
Moved from its original location across the street,
Wilber Todd - the builder - was its first occupant,
having gotten drunk & disorderly on the money paid
to him by the city for his work on the jail. — — Map (db m313131) HM
Peter Norbeck
9th Governor of South Dakota ~ 1917 to 1921
A Gift to the People of South Dakota by
Scott and Julia Jones
In Memory of the Norbeck Children:
Nellie, Ruth, Harold and Selma (Sally)
James Michael . . . — — Map (db m137126) HM
On U.S. 16 at Jewel Cave National Monument Entrance Road, on the left when traveling west on U.S. 16.
Did you notice that this forest burned? Some areas show no signs of fire. Blackened tree skeletons tell of crown fire in other areas. This is a typical burn mosaic of a western wildfire. How did the visitor center and nearby trees survive? Fire . . . — — Map (db m37096) HM
Near U.S. 16A east of Lower French Creek Road, on the right when traveling east.
Spurred by rumors of gold, many prospector groups attempted to enter the Black Hills in the 1870s. Without regard to the Fort Laramie Treaty, they planned to enter the region and exploit the untapped wealth.
A group of 28 people headed west from . . . — — Map (db m121399) HM
South Dakota
Game, Fish & Parks
This Property Has
Been Placed On The
National
Register of
Historic Places
By The United States
Department of the
Interior — — Map (db m137127) HM
On U.S. 16A 0.6 miles west of Wildlife Loop Road, on the left when traveling west.
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks
This Property Has Been Placed on the
National Register of Historic Places
By the United States Department of the Interior — — Map (db m202734) HM
On Stockade Lake Drive 1 mile east of Lower French Creek Road, on the left when traveling east.
Originally Constructed by the
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
Completed in April 1937
South Dakota National Guard
Completed in August 1988
The Bridge is 76 feet, 4 inches long and 26 feet wide. Three spans, each constructed of 10 . . . — — Map (db m121402) HM
Badger's career and lifestyle within Custer State
Park are almost legends of contentment and what he termed the "good life." He never made any conscious effort for fame; however, he became revered within the literary world. "My income would . . . — — Map (db m215928) HM
On Hearst Memorial Highway (U.S. 385) at Avenue of the Chiefs, on the right when traveling north on Hearst Memorial Highway.
George Hearst (1820-1891) United States Senator, mining engineer, sportsman, speculator. Starting with nothing, he developed three of the fabled mines in the American West -- The Ophir, the Anaconda, and the Homestake -- and founded one of the . . . — — Map (db m180982) HM
On Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway aka Needles Highway (State Highway 87) 1 mile east of State Highway 89, on the right when traveling west.
Geology provides the foundation of scenery in the Black Hills. From rocky outcroppings to towering spires, the northern portion of Custer State Park highlights the essence of the central core.
The central core is a region of rocks mainly . . . — — Map (db m34626) HM
On 6th Street at Washington Street, on the right when traveling north on 6th Street.
Custer is the oldest town in the Black Hills. It is the first known location that gold was discovered in 1874 by the Black Hills Expedition lead by Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer. In 1876 the city was almost abandoned as word spread of gold . . . — — Map (db m313095) HM
On U.S. 385 0.6 miles south of Medicine Mountain Road, on the left when traveling south.
Benefit You The landscape before you has been logged several times since the early 1900's. Besides the obvious benefits of timber for building many products, timber harvesting benefits the forest community. Benefit . . . — — Map (db m234599) HM
By 1890, there were less than 1000 bison remaining in North America. What once was a species that covered the Great Plains, bison were now scattered in small pockets along the northern Rocky Mountains. The foresight of a few conservation-minded . . . — — Map (db m279324) HM
Once revered as the symbol of the American West, the bison have come back from the brink of extinction. Currently, there are over 350,000 bison in public and private herds across North America.
Organizations like the National Buffalo Foundation . . . — — Map (db m280012) HM
Perhaps no other animal captures the essence of the American West like the bison. They symbolize a wild and powerful feature on the Great Plains. Without them, America's heritage would not be the same.
Also called buffalo, prehistoric bison . . . — — Map (db m280010) HM
When visitors think of Custer State Park, many of them envision bison. Even though the park contains a wealth of natural and cultural history, bison are often viewed as the icon of South Dakota's largest state park. The park is home to one of the . . . — — Map (db m278782) HM
Toward the mid-1800s, the picture of bison on the Great Plains began to change. Westward expansion by pioneers, cattle ranching, fashion fads, and development of railroad lines all impacted the bison.
Bison hides had many markets; they were . . . — — Map (db m280009) HM
Commonly called "buffalo", bison (Bison bison) are North America's largest land mammal, and one of Custer State Park's most valuable resources. Sometimes called "Lord of the Plains" the buffalo is a unique animal. A mature bull can stand up to six . . . — — Map (db m45354) HM
The Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, Cheyenne, Crow, and many other Indian tribes inhabited the Great Plains. Some tribes formed stable villages; however, most of them lived a nomadic life. All of them depended on one thing: buffalo.
No animal is more . . . — — Map (db m279372) HM
On West Main Street 0.3 miles west of Heartland Expressway (State Highway 79) when traveling west.
These historical cannons stood
in front of Dr. Mudd's cell on the
Dry Tortugas Key West, Fla.
Donated to Wm Stanley Post No. 148
G.A.R-SD by the Government
Oct. 11, 1901
T.L. Monaghan, Adjt.
J.G. Baker, Comdt.
Address by Col. W.V. . . . — — Map (db m113158) WM
On U.S. 385 3.5 miles north of 7-11 Road (County Road 101), on the right when traveling north.
Between 350 and 500 bison roam the grasslands of the national park — a token of the herds numbering 30 to 60 million that once inhabited the prairies of North America. The American bison, commonly called buffalo, became nearly extinct as settlers . . . — — Map (db m234632) HM
On U.S. 385 1.9 miles north of 7-11 Road (County Road 101), on the right when traveling north.
Camp NP-1 (DNP-1): located southeast of the cave entrance
in Wind Cave Canyon.
Companies: 2754 -- 7/16/34 - 11/1/39
2757 detachment -- 4/18/40 - 8/1/40
The Civilian Conservation Corps was a federal relief program during 1933-1942 that . . . — — Map (db m134564) HM
Few images evoke the mobile nature of the Plains Indians life like the tipi. Crafted from what the land would yield — a few young trees, bison hides, and wooden stakes for anchoring — the tipi provided a sturdy yet portable home for families that . . . — — Map (db m234631) HM
All Black Hills caves have formed in this layer 300 to 600 feet thick. Originally it was laid down on a shallow seabottom about 300 million years ago. Its name derives from the Lakota word meaning "Black Hills". — — Map (db m70978) HM
He laid the foundation of the National Park Service, defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved unimpaired for future generations. There will never come an end to the good that he has done. — — Map (db m234600) HM
The Civilian Conservation Corps established a camp here during the Great Depression of the 1930s to make improvements to the park. This camp employed 200 men at a time and provided much needed jobs and training. Over an eight-year period, the young . . . — — Map (db m70977) HM
On U.S. 385 3.9 miles north of 7-11 Road (County Road 101), on the right when traveling north.
Wind Cave National Park harbors a fragment of an endangered ecosystem, a remnant of the native grasslands that once stretched from Indiana to the Rocky Mountains, from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. In fewer than 100 years, the Great Plains . . . — — Map (db m234694) HM
On Iron Mountain Road (U.S. 16A) near South Dakota Highway 244.
In 1932, Cecil Clyde Gideon, forged ahead with the design of the Pigtail Bridges when many felt it couldn’t be done. C.C., as he was called, was a pioneer in the Black Hills, making his mark as a master builder, architect, craftsman, lawman, . . . — — Map (db m89460) HM
On State Highway 89 0.7 miles north of Prairie Schooner Road (County Road 318), on the right when traveling north.
Left Panel:
National Forests ~ An American Legacy
In 1891, Congress passed legislation to establish Forest Reserves (now called National Forests) to restore eastern lands damaged by deforestation and disastrous floods; and to . . . — — Map (db m184800) HM
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