When thinking about the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce, one may think of that host of wonderful events they produce each year. Or maybe they picture their office which has welcomed millions into our little town. What they may not think of is the construction of a lake; Bear Butte Lake.Read More →
In early 2021, the city of Sturgis was buzzing with the announcement that a new lake would be built. It would be called the Sturgis Lakeside Adventure Park, and plans initially included a beach, water slides, an obstacle course, pickleball and volleyball courts, as well as a splash pad andRead More →
As winter approached, the Yanktonai and Hunkpatina bands of Dakota were busy hunting buffalo and preparing the meat for the coming season. Around them, the United States was split in Civil War, as the Union divided themselves between a war in the south, as well as on their western frontier.Read More →
The idea began in Tilford. The city had just lost its bid for the county seat, but they were determined to still cement their importance in the newly formed Meade County. In June of 1889, just a month after officially losing their fight for the county seat, Freeman Knowles wouldRead More →
“I don’t care whether you shoot me or hang me. I have done my work.” Those are quite possibly the last words of Richard Stoll, a man who would end his own life after having killed the mayor of Sturgis. The news of this “distressing tragedy” would spread throughout theRead More →
As with many western cities that looked to emulate the “civilized” cities of the east, Sturgis was excited to build their own streetcar line. They were the Key City of the Black Hills, a county seat, and thus an important destination. Obviously, they should showcase that importance by having theirRead More →
Possibly the best-known streetcar line in the Black Hills belongs to Deadwood. While the line wouldn’t receive the same recognition that the line in Rapid City did, it would retain its history, partially because of the town’s dedication to their past. The Deadwood Street Railway would be incorporated in AugustRead More →
The west may have been won on the back of a horse, but it grew upon streetcar lines. Or at least some would argue such. When it came to civilizing the west, the streetcar played an important role, as it allowed towns to expand by making them more interconnected. ItRead More →
Dustin WhiteEditor It was the first cemetery set up west of Jamestown. Planned to be a beautiful resting place for those who passed before their loved ones, problems would lead to Greenwood Cemetery being closed, and largely abandoned. Organized on Jan. 16, 1882, Greenwood Cemetery would be situated on aRead More →
Dustin WhiteEditor The fort never became as well known as Fort Abraham Lincoln; however, its importance can not be overlooked. Records don’t seem to agree with when the fort was first established, with some placing the date on July 7, while others, including the marker which stands on the nowRead More →