GHOST TOWNS
Oncethriving communities in the Black Hills died out when mining petered out, the railroad bypassed the town or they were buried underwater( Pactola City under Pactola Reservoir, Sheridan under Sheridan Lake and Lithia under Angostura Reservoir). They are romantic memories of the Old West. Worth a look are ROCHFORD( population 25), founded in 1876 as a source of gold ore. Today, the Moonshine Gulch Saloon is a favorite hangout for local musicians. Rockerville, founded in 1878, was larger than Rapid City and had a fine hotel, social clubs and a 17milelong flume for placer mining. Its boom time was short, for the flume leaked badly and investors lost heavily. Remaining is the log cabin of Capt. Jack Crawford, the“ poet scout,” dating to that period. CASCADE located in Fall River County, folded when the railroad went to Hot Springs instead. By the turn of the century, Cascade had 50 businesses, a post office and 400 residents. The old bank building is the only building still standing. Behind it runs the picturesque waters of Cascade, fed by bubbling springs. The building was the Allen Bank. J. G. and J. H. Keith founded Cascade and remained there decades after everyone else abandoned it. Their heirs donated it to the Forest Service. SPO- KANE was founded in 1890 to extract gold, but the mine proved richer in silver, copper, zinc, mica and graphite. The remains of Spokane can be found 16 miles from Custer, just north of Custer State Park’ s northern border and a short walk from Forest Service Road 330.
FAIRBURN AGATE FIELDS
South Dakota’ s gemstone, the Fairburn agate, is one of the loveliest of banded specimens known to mankind and is highly sought after. The stones range in value from $ 20 to thousands of dollars. The Fairburn agate is named for the agate beds about 10 miles east of Fairburn. They may be taken on a designated portion of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands northeast of the town of Fairburn. Look for the signs.
GOLD DISCOVERY
Golden Valley, where the Custer Expedition camped in 1874, is just west of Custer State Park. Gold was discovered by Horatio Ross in French Creek. There is a sign on America Center Road marking the spot. Custer’ s initials and the year are carved into a rock where these men stand.
32 Black Hills Adventure Guide 2025