Going to the Black Hills

This year (2024) is the 150th anniversary of Custer's 1874 Black Hills Expedition. Since I live in South Dakota, the Expedition fascinates me. It was a precursor to the Battle of the Little Big Horn two years later.

The 1874 Expedition is mentioned in most books about Custer and the 7th U.S. Cavalry, however, there are two that are highly recommended and I consider them to be the "gold standard" of books about the excursion. These are: EXPLORING WITH CUSTER and CROSSING THE PLAINS WITH CUSTER. By reading both of these books, you will have a better and fuller understanding of this historical and important expedition.

The books contain diary entries of the participants, as well as observations by the various newspaper reporters that were along for the trip. There are maps galore to familiarize yourself with the route. But the highlight of both books are the incredible then and now photos. The original photos taken on the expedition by photographer William H. Illingworth are presented side by side with modern day views of the sites. The differences are stunning. But, even more amazing, are the things that have remained the same over 150 years. Believe it or not but burned trees and overturned stumps that appeared in the 1874 photos are still there today. The books are printed on high grade paper that make the photos jump off the pages.

After news of Custer's visit to the Black Hills hit the newspapers, the rush to find gold was on. Miners, prospectors, and settlers flooded into the Black Hills and the stream couldn't be stopped. This was a thorn in the Indians' side and led directly to Custer's death, as well as that of many of his men, two years later on the shores of the Greasy Grass River in what is now Montana.

The following article appeared in the March 28, 1876 edition of the Cheyenne Daily Leader. Cheyenne was one of the points offering outfitting to parties wishing to travel to the Black Hills.

In roughly three months after this article appeared, Custer and many of his officers and men would be dead.