Can you imagine what it was like to live in South Dakota in the late 1800s and early 1900s? Luckily, historians have preserved some of the oldest photos of South Dakota ever taken, so that we can take a look back in time and deepen our knowledge about our state's history. So, sit back and enjoy browsing these historic South Dakota photos as you imagine what it was like to live back then.
1. Deadwood, 1876. Deadwood was founded in the Dakota Territory when gold was found.
2. Deadwood, 1890. By 1890, Deadwood had turned into a thriving metropolis.
These old Deadwood photos are really something!
3. Sturgis, 1887-1892. A line of oxen and wagons on Main Street in Sturgis, Dakota Territory.
4. Cheyenne River, 1890. Part of the U.S. 8th Calvary and 3rd Infantry join the Cheyenne at the Great Indian Grass Dance.
5. Mitchell, 1908. The Corn Palace has always been pretty spectacular.
6. Camp Cheyenne, 1890. A young soldier and his horse.
7. Black Hills, 1874. George Armstrong Custer poses with the bear he shot in the Black Hills.
8. Hot Springs, 1891. At the time, the "plunge bath house" was the largest in the U.S.
9. Unknown Location, 1891. Branding cattle on a small ranch.
10. Unknown Location, 1882. A pioneer family poses outside their sod house.
11. Unknown Location, 1891. Cowboys sit under the trees to enjoy some dinner.
12. Deadwood, 1903. Calamity Jane in front of Wild Bill's grave.
13. Sioux Falls, 1910. Former President Theodore Roosevelt visited Sioux Falls.
14. Sioux Falls, 1907. At the corner of Phillips Avenue and 9 Street.
These historic South Dakota photos really are like a time machine. They sweep us back and remind us of our roots in this incredible state. Do you have any old photos of South Dakota in your collection? We'd love to see them! Share them with our readers in the comments.
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