I have been working my way through Mount Moriah: Kill a Man…Start a Cemetery by Helen Rezatto. This gives more meaning to the collection of headstones above Deadwood. I love that I can read about the people who are buried there and then go visit the graves.
The Masonic Circle is a collection of 18 graves. They are all around a stone Masonic Pulpit with a Bible on top. The pulpit inscription reads “ Remember now thy creator in the days of youth.” The base of the pulpit list the names of those buried in the circle.
Some of the buried include
Hugh Campbell – shot by stage robbers
Adrienne and Charles Davis – Mr. Davis was an assayer that tested gold for prospectors. They were a popular couple. Adrienne died at age 33 in 1878. Mr. Davis followed less than a year later at age 38. His cause of death was listed as “softening of the brain.”
Judge Granville Bennett, Mrs. Bennett and son Robert – The Judge was born in Ohio and slowly made his way to the Black Hills. His first court was located in Sheridan, the site of the town is now at the bottom of the popular lake by the same name.
Many visitors come to visit the famous graves, I encourage you to take some time to stroll around Deadwood’s Mount Moriah and see the final resting place of the people who helped build the city. And, if you enjoy exploring cemeteries, be sure to checkout Deadwood’s less famous but just as beautiful cemetery St Ambrose.
One of the benefits of living in Deadwood is that you can visit the Chubby Chipmunk anytime. We just love to stop by and pick out a box of truffles.
These are really amazing truffles. Batches are made in small quantities to ensure quality. They are a chocolate lovers dream. Rich and delicious. My favorite is the Dark Chocolate “Trixie.”
Plus, people with food sensitivities rejoice. Most of the truffles are gluten-free.
They even have non-chocolate flavors for people who don’t want chocolate or want to try something else. The root beer float is another favorite in our house. They even make a jelly bean truffle at Easter time.
You will find the Chubby Chipmunk on the south side of Deadwood, near the Mickelson Trail just before you turn south on Highway 385.
The 2012 Crazy Horse Volksmarch is quickly approaching. It will be held June 2nd and 3rd. This is your once a year chance to hike up the monument. This event can attract up to 15 thousand visitors. The Volksmarch is a 10K or 6.2 miles,
Admission to the memorial is free with 3 cans of food per person. The American Volkssport Association fee is 3 dollars per person. No pets are allowed.
Gates open at 6am. Hikers may begin between the hours of 8am and 1pm. The trail is gravel and there is a gain in elevation of about 500 feet. The turnaround point is on the arm of Crazy Horse, from here you have amazing views of the Black Hills. Plan on 2 to 4 hours to complete the hike.
For more information visit the Crazy Horse Memorial website.
This is the newest park in Rapid City and the only park north of I-90. And, what a unique park it is. This 26 acre park is named after Vickie Powers who died in 1995. She had been very active in the North Rapid City Community. The amenities include walking paths, picnic areas, restrooms and [...]
The local food movement is growing across the country including the Black Hills. People are seeing the benefits of getting their food from a local farmer. The food is fresher and there is more variety. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is advantageous for both the consumer and the farmer. Members help sport the farm financially and [...]
The Black Hills is blessed with an 80-acre ranch that is shared with the public by owner Dave Snyder – for quiet contemplation in nature. The meditative labyrinth above is just one of many spots to get away from busy modern life and just be. It is called Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary, and besides the labyrinth, [...]
The Mountain Trailhead of the Mickelson Trail is between Hill City and Custer near Crazy Horse Monument. On this portion of the trail you will have views of the monument. Korczak Ziolkowski started work on Crazy Horse in 1948. From here it is 10.5 miles north to the Tracy Park Trailhead in Hill City or [...]
You can find the White Elephant Trailhead for the Mickelson Trail south of Custer along Highway 385. This is a simple trailhead with no services. Just across the road – an old feldspar mine is visible. The feldspar was shipped to Illinois in the early 1900s and was used to make a white glaze for [...]
At mile post 32.1 you will find the Pringle Trailhead. This small town once known as Point of Rocks has been a center for mining and lumber since the early 1900s. From here is is 12.4 miles to the Custer Trailhead and 15.9 miles to the Minnekahta Trailhead. The end of the trail in Deadwood [...]
Since I’ve eliminated gluten containing grains from my diet, it hasn’t been that hard to find great places to eat in Rapid City and the Black Hills. Prime rib and crab legs at the Gold Dust, Gluten-free crust pizza from the pizza lab or just a good burger sans bun. Murphy’s takes the gluten-free burger [...]
