The Leland D. Case Library for Western Historical Studies at Black Hills State University and the Custer County Historical Society are hosting a series of events to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Black Hills Expedition of 1874 and the subsequent discovery of gold in the Black Hills. The anniversary events, which take place on Sunday, July 21 in Custer, aim to recognize the historical significance of these events and the transformative changes they brought to the region.
The program begins at 10 a.m. in the Custer High School Theater (1645 Wildcat Lane) with a slate of speakers including Paul Hosted speaking on the Custer Expedition, Dr. David Wolff speaking about the Gold Rush, and Whitney Rencountre II speaking on the Sacred Black Hills. Attendees will be invited to tour the expedition’s permanent campsite 3 miles east of town along US Highway 16A from noon to 5 p.m. At the campsite, there will be re-enactors, musicians playing 1874 military music, a historic photography demonstration, gold panning, Lakota exhibits, and a historic photo quiz.
This event is open to the public at no charge, but donations will be accepted to benefit the Custer County Historical Society and scholarships at BHSU.
For more information about the 150th Anniversary Commemoration, please contact Paul Horsted at horsted@gwtc.net.