Custer’s 1874 Black Hills Camp of August 14-15th

The Black Hills Expedition of 1874 started out from Fort Abraham Lincoln on July 2. They returned on August 30. During the intervening time they explored, mapped, and photographed the area known as Paha Sapa, or Black Hills.

They weren’t the first to discover gold in the Black Hills but they were able to confirm it. The newspaper reports that followed ignited a gold rush. The gold rush Custer started inadvertently led to his death two years later at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

The Expedition had spent roughly three weeks in the Black Hills. On August 14th, the 7th Cavalry made their exit from the Hills and found themselves on the surrounding plains. They were preparing to make the long journey back to Fort Lincoln. They made their camp in the shadow of Bear Butte, an important landmark and religious site to the Plains Indians.

Although he climbed the prominent Black Hills elevations of Inyan Kara and Harney (now Black Elk) Peak, Custer did not make it to the top of Bear Butte, although several of his soldiers did.

The troopers were able to spend two nights at this site, doing laundry and resting, before making their way across the prairie to Bismarck and Fort Lincoln.

Custer’s brother-in-law, Lieutenant James Calhoun, who was also killed at the Battle of the Little Big Horn, wrote in his diary of the trip on August 14, 1874: “We know that this is the best country that can be found in any of the Northwestern states, and when we move for days upon an open prairie beneath a burning sun, with nothing but warm alkali water to quench our thirst, we will be reminded of the many cold springs of pure water which flowed sweetly from the mountain side, and often will we turn round and cast a wistful desire toward these prominent hills which for many a day afforded us so much enjoyment.”

How to Visit on Your Own: From Interstate 90, take Exit 30. Drive east on Highway 34 for 5.3 miles. You will be near the Buffalo Chip Campground. Take a right (south) onto 131st Avenue (Fort Meade Way). Follow the road south two miles to reach Cattail Place. The historical marker for the camp will be on your left, near the road.  The campsite is located at 44°23'27.6"N 103°25'43.1"W.

Custer's August 14-15, 1874 campsite. 

Custer's campsite marker.

Bear Butte near Sturgis, South Dakota.