National Register Listing

Wind Cave National Park Administrative and Utility Area Historic District

a.k.a. Wind Cave National Park Historic District

E of Custer off US 385, Custer, SD
Local significance of the district:
Conservation; Politics/government; Landscape Architecture; Entertainment/recreation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
  A brief timeline of the history of the National Parks

  • 1872: Yellowstone National Park is established as the first national park in the United States and widely recognized as the first national park in the world.

  • 1890: Yosemite National Park is established in California, protecting its iconic landscapes and natural wonders.

  • 1916: The National Park Service (NPS) is created as a federal agency responsible for managing and preserving national parks. Stephen Mather becomes the first director of the NPS.

  • 1919: Grand Canyon National Park is established in Arizona, safeguarding its immense and awe-inspiring canyon.

  • 1926: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, becoming the most visited national park in the United States.

  • 1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his New Deal program. The CCC plays a crucial role in the development and conservation of national parks, employing thousands of young men in projects such as trail construction, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements.

  • 1964: The Wilderness Act is passed, protecting designated wilderness areas within national parks and other public lands, ensuring their preservation in their natural state.

  • 1970: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is signed into law, mandating environmental impact assessments for federal projects, including those within national parks.

  • 1980: The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act is passed, expanding the national park system and adding significant areas of land in Alaska, including the establishment of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

  • 2009: President Barack Obama signs the Omnibus Public Land Management Act into law, designating several new national parks and expanding existing ones, such as Joshua Tree National Park and Zion National Park.

  • Present: The U.S. National Park system has grown to include over 60 designated national parks, as well as national monuments, preserves, seashores, and historic sites. These protected areas attract millions of visitors each year and serve as vital conservation areas for biodiversity, natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation.

The establishment and continued expansion of the U.S. National Parks reflect a commitment to preserving and sharing the country's unique natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Audiobooks about the history of South Dakota.
The famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial, featuring the faces of U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, is located in South Dakota. It was built by artist Gutzon Borglum and his team between 1927 and 1941.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.