150th Anniversary Commemoration – 1874 Custer Expedition and Start of the Black Hills Gold Rush

All events are free of charge. Donations are accepted, see the info below.

 

Sunday, July 21, 2024 Schedule

10 a.m.-noon: Presentations at Custer High School (1645 Wildcat Lane) by Whitney Rencountre II, CEO of Crazy Horse Memorial, “The Sacred Black Hills”; Dr. David Wolff, emeritus professor of history from Black Hills State University, “The Black Hills Gold Rush”; Paul Horsted, historian/author, “1874 Black Hills Expedition – A Brief History”.

 

Noon-5 p.m.: At the historic 1874 camp site 3 miles east of Custer (12611 Hwy. 16A, follow signs). This is the exact location where Custer and 1000 men camped from Aug. 1-5, 1874. They explored the southern Black Hills from this base camp and found gold nearby. A photographer took photographs of this camp and surrounding areas.

          1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Concert by the 16-piece Black Hills Expedition Heritage Band, performing historical music last heard here 150 years ago, as played by Gen. George Custer’s band during the 1874 Expedition.

          2 p.m. Book signing with authors of “Exploring With Custer”, Ernest Grafe and Paul Horsted.

          All afternoon: Activities and displays planned include a gold panning demonstration; cavalry re-enactors from Fort Meade; “General Custer” making appearances; a historical photographer creating images on glass-plate negatives; a blacksmith forging items from steel; Native American cultural displays; historical displays and self-guided tours of the camp site and nearby historic places such as photo sites from 1874 and the Gordon Stockade (in Custer State Park, permit required).

 

Please note:

• Follow directional signs for parking upon arrival at the historic camp site. You’ll be directed to park on grass in the pasture near the activities.
• No recreational vehicles (RV’s) will be allowed to park in the pasture. There are RV parking options nearby.
• Seating is limited so consider bringing a folding chair if needed. No food available on-site but nearby campgrounds may have snacks or other options.
• Be sure to stop by the Custer County Historical Society booth for your 150th anniversary commemorative booklet (quantities limited; suggested donation $2.)

 

This event is run by volunteers and organized by the Custer County Historical Society and the Leland D. Case Library for Western Historical Studies at BHSU. Donations are appreciated which will benefit both of these non-profit organizations.

 

Not Responsible for Accidents.

 

For more information or questions please contact Paul Horsted at 605-673-3685 or email horsted@gwtc.net.