The Black Hills
Posted on 09/22/08 7:28 PM| by Kraig
The Black Hills of South Dakota are located in the western portion of the state and extend south into Wyoming. The small, independent mountain range is bit of a geological oddity rising up from the grasslands of the Great Plains, garnering their name form the thick pine trees that inhabit their slopes.
Reaching heights over 7000 feet, the Black Hills are the tallest mountains east of the Rockies. The famous jagged profile of the peaks that make up the range offer great rock climbing opportunities, and more than 75 hiking trails, spread out over 450 miles, provide some of the best hiking and backpacking anywhere in the U.S.
Native American tribes have a long history in the Black Hills, but the area first came to prominence in U.S. history when the Custer Expedition first discovered gold there back in 1874. Over the next few years, many treasure hunters and settlers moved to the region hoping to make their fortune, and that influx of population gave rise to the quintessential old west town of Deadwood, home to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
Perhaps the most well known image from the Black Hills is that of Mount Rushmore. That monument was completed in 1941, and become one of the most iconic images representing America. The sculpted faces of four of the greatest presidents to ever hold office are each more than 60 feet tall. The giant sculpture has become a symbol of freedom and democracy, and more than 3 million people flock to memorial each year.
To learn more about the Black Hills visit BlackHillsBadlands.com.
Photo courtesy of TravelSD.com
