The Black Hills of South Dakota

Main Street in Deadwood, South Dakota

The Black Hills of South Dakota

Ben with Mt. Rushmore in the background

The Hall of Flags as you approach Mt. Rushmore

We finally made our way to South Dakota after saying goodbye to the Tetons in the distance. Shortly after crossing the border from Wyoming, we came upon the Black Hills. They actually look black from a distance and are the home to many historic sites. We first visited the town of Deadwood where Wild Bill Hickock lived and died. He was a sharpshooter and scout who could reportedly shoot two guns simultaneously from his hips and hit dead on without aiming. He was killed by James McCall in Deadwood and is buried in the local cemetery. Calamity Jane also is buried in the same cemetery. The entire town of Deadwood is a historical site. In 1989, the town legalized gambling and used part of the proceeds to renovate the town. It is absolutely beautifully restored and one of several towns filled with gold rush history. It was General Custer who reported the presence of gold in the Black Hills that was actually on the Lakota Reservation. This led to a gold rush that pushed the Lakotas from their land. Many made their fortune here including the original Hearst. You can still visit some of the old mines and caves abound.

Within the Black Hills lies one of the most amazing National Monuments - Mt. Rushmore. I know it is sappy, but tears actually came to my eyes when I first saw the amazing visages. I still don't know how Gutzon Borglum pulled off this artistic feat. Between 1927 and 1941, Borglum and 400 workers carved the 60 foot carvings of 4 former Presidents. The Presidents were chosen to record the first 150 years of American history. George Washington was chosen because he helped form the Union. Thomas Jefferson because he drafted the Declaration of Independence and expanded the US with the Louisiana Purchase. Abraham Lincoln because he preserved the country during the Civil War. Teddy Roosevelt for expanding the country with the Panama Canal and preserving our natural resources. It is quite an impressive site and truly unique among the National Monuments we have seen in the West.