After an economic crash in 1873 affected the entire nation, the government sought to stimulate the economy by exploring new land for settlement and resources. In 1874, George A. Custer led an expedition into the Black Hills to map the region, locate a future military post, and, beneath those official aims, confirm the presence of gold. Article 2 of the Fort Laramie Treaty allowed government officers and agents onto reservation lands, and under that authority the expedition entered with the largest military force of its time, numbering more than 1000 men, including over 50 Indian scouts, along with 1900 horses and mules, 300 beef cattle, and 110 supply wagons. The expedition found gold in French Creek near this location, and although the discoveries were meager, national news exaggerated the wealth of the Black Hills. That publicity ignited intense national interest and helped drive one of the most famed gold rushes in American history, while some contemporary voices urged caution and others called for the region to be freed from Indian occupancy because of its supposed mineral and lumber wealth.

Photo: Anonymous

Photo: Custer County Historical Society

Photo: South Dakota State Historical Society

Photo: South Dakota State Historical Society

Photo: Cosmos Mariner

Custer, South Dakota · USA