National Register Listings in
Custer County, South Dakota

Ayres, Lonnie and Francis, Ranch Badger Hole Bauer, Maria, Homestead Ranch Beaver Creek Bridge Buffalo Gap Cheyenne River Bridge Buffalo Gap Historic Commercial District CCC Camp Custer Officers' Cabin Cold Springs Schoolhouse Custer County Courthouse Custer State Game Lodge Custer State Park Museum Fairburn Historic Commercial District First National Bank Building Fourmile School No. 21 Garlock Building Grace Coolidge Memorial Log Building Hermosa Masonic Lodge Historic Trail and Cave Entrance Lampert, Charles and Ollie, Ranch Mann, Irene and Walter, Ranch Norbeck, Peter, Summer House Pig Tail Bridge Ranger Station Red Shirt Bridge Roetzel, Ferdinand and Elizabeth, Ranch South Dakota Dept. of Transportation Bridge No. 17-289-107 Stearns, William, Ranch Streeter, Norman B., Homestead Towner, Francis Averill (T. A.) and Janet Leach, House Tubbs, Newton Seymour, House Ward, Elbert and Harriet, Ranch Way Park Museum Wind Cave National Park Administrative and Utility Area Historic District Young, Edna and Ernest, Ranch
The town of Murdo, South Dakota is home to the Pioneer Auto Museum, which boasts a collection of over 250 antique cars, motorcycles, and tractors.
South Dakota random facts
Custer County, located in the state of South Dakota, has a rich and varied history that spans over centuries. The area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne, who lived off the abundant natural resources offered by the land.

The first European explorers arrived in Custer County in the early 1800s, with the famous Lewis and Clark expedition passing through the region in 1804. However, it wasn't until the 1874 Black Hills Expedition, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, that the area gained significant attention. Custer's expedition discovered gold in the Black Hills, leading to a massive influx of settlers hoping to strike it rich.

The ensuing gold rush brought significant changes to Custer County. The town of Custer was established in 1875, named after George Armstrong Custer, and quickly became a hub for miners and prospectors. The county experienced rapid growth, attracting pioneers from across the country who were lured by the promise of wealth and opportunity.

Several famous events are associated with Custer County's history. One of the most iconic is the Battle of the Little Bighorn that took place in 1876, where Lieutenant Colonel Custer and his troops faced defeat at the hands of the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne. This battle, also known as Custer's Last Stand, has left a lasting impact on the county and is often commemorated through various historical sites and reenactments.

Today, Custer County continues to thrive with its natural beauty, rich heritage, and thriving tourism industry. The area is home to several national parks and monuments, including the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Custer County's history is celebrated and preserved in various museums and historical landmarks, serving as a reminder of the county's fascinating journey from Native American territory to a bustling center of the American West.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Custer County, South Dakota.

  • 1875 - Custer County is established.
  • 1876 - Gold is discovered in the area, leading to a gold rush.
  • 1877 - The town of Custer is founded.
  • 1881 - Black Hills National Forest is established, including parts of Custer County.
  • 1898 - Wind Cave National Park is established in Custer County.
  • 1903 - Jewel Cave National Monument is established.
  • 1933 - Custer State Park is established.
  • 1968 - The Crazy Horse Memorial construction begins in Custer County.
  • 1986 - Custer County Historical Society is incorporated.
  • 1998 - The Journey Museum in Rapid City opens an exhibit on Custer County's history.
  • 2005 - Custer County celebrates its 130th anniversary.