Take a Black Hills of South Dakota Vacation
Paha Sapa A Place to Get Away, Relax and Have a Good Time
Jun 13, 2009
The Black Hills are appropriately named because from a distance, they appear as black mounds rising toward the sky. Their dark color comes from the thick covering of Ponderosa pine, spruce and fir trees growing up the sides. Granite peaks reach toward the sky. The highest is Harney Peak and it soars as high as 7,242 feet. South Dakota Tourism reports that the Black Hills National Forest covers 1.2 million acres in western South Dakota.
In this place, you can do and see many things. This area has grassy meadows, deep canyons, clear waters, and cascading waterfalls. This area offers places to do some hiking, biking, camping and fishing. Wildlife abounds with mountain goats, turkeys, deer, horses and buffalo are just a few. There are places to pan for gold, take a balloon ride, a helicopter ride, horseback riding, museums, monuments, shopping, exploring caves . . . The list is almost endless.
The Discovery of Gold in the Hills of South Dakota
In 1874, Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong Custer, led an army through the hills on an exploration. He took along a civilian prospector, Horatio N. Ross. As they explored the land, it was in the French Creek that Horatio discovered something wonderful. Gold! When word leaked out, about finding gold in the hills of South Dakota, towns sprung up almost overnight. Many of those towns are still there, like Hill City, Lead, Deadwood, and Strugis. Today, many of the old buildings have remained historically the same. To visit is like stepping back in history.
Harley Davidson Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis
Sturgis is where they hold the annual Harley Davidson Bike Rally. 2009 marks the 69th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and it begins August 3 and lasts until through August 9. Motorcyclists from all over the world converge in this small town for a week of motorcycle fun. You don't need a Harley to attend, just a love for motorcycles and adventure.
Historic Figures that Shaped the Old West
Deadwood's history has the shooting of Wild Bill Hickok on August 2, 1876 by Jake McCall during a poker game. He is buried in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery and his grave is marked with a bronze headstone. Just like the days of Wild Bill, if gambling is your pleasure, Deadwood is the place to do it as the town hosts many gambling casinos.Some other old legends of the Black Hills are Calamity Jane (aka Martha Canary), Preacher Smith, Potato Creek Johnny and Madame Dora Du Fran. Many of these famous historic figures are buried in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery. This cemetery is located high on top of a hill, overlooking Deadwood.
The Black Hills have been the scene for many movies and television shows. One of the most popular movies is Dances with Wolves.
Mount Rushmore
One of the most famous attractions of the Black Hills is Mount Rushmore named after Charles E. Rushmore, a lawyer from New York. Guzon Borglum had a dream and the reality of this dream is seen by 3 million people every year. He began the carving in 1927. With a crew of 400, it was completed in 1941. Unfortunately, Gutzon Borglum died shortly before Mount Rushmore was completed in that same year. His son, Lincoln Borglum was the one who saw its completion. This monument is located 23 miles southwest of Rapid City, South Dakota. A flag from every state flies on its own individual poles.
Historic Words of A.B. Donaldson
More than one hundred thirty years have passed since A.B. Donaldson, a newspaper correspondent with General George Armstrong Custer's historic Black Hills Expedition, penned these words: The lover of nature could here find his soul's delight; the invalid regain his health; the old, be rejuvenated; the weary find sweet repose and invigoration; and all who could come and spend the heated season here would find it the pleasantest summer home in America.
 |
