The historic Gordon Stockade is tucked away within Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. For the visitors to this area of the Black Hills, it is a rare opportunity to see an exact replica of one of the most historic sites in the history of this relatively safe from attacks from the Lakota.
The stockade, initially built by gold prospectors, stands as a testament to the rugged determination and resilience of those who sought fortune in these hills.
It offers an immersive experience, with the opportunity to explore the rugged cabins and defensive structures that once stood as a sanctuary.
The surrounding natural beauty complements the historical significance, making it a must-visit landmark in the Black Hills.
The formation and history of Gordon Stockade center on the quest for gold and the resulting tensions among settlers, miners, and Native Americans.
In 1874, the Gordon Party, led by John Gordon, ventured into the Black Hills in search of gold. They were among the first groups of miners to defy the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, which had granted the Black Hills to the Lakota Sioux. The group constructed the Stockade as a defensive fortification against potential Indian attacks.
By early 1875, around 28 men fortified themselves within the wooden walls of the Stockade. Despite the risks, the promise of gold drew them to this contested region. Their presence marked the beginning of increased white encroachment and conflict with the indigenous people.
The 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie established peace between the United States and the Lakota Sioux, ensuring the Black Hills remained Sioux territory. The treaty was pivotal in recognizing Sioux sovereignty over their ancestral lands. However, the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in the following years led to significant violations of this treaty.
The U.S. government initially tried to dissuade settlers from entering the region but struggled to enforce the treaty’s terms. This breach of agreement intensified tensions between the Sioux and incoming miners.
The 1874 Black Hills Expedition, led by General George Armstrong Custer, confirmed gold deposits in the Black Hills. This discovery triggered the Black Hills Gold Rush, drawing miners and settlers to the area despite it being Sioux land. Miners like the Gordon Party flocked to these gold-rich lands, erecting structures like the Gordon Stockade for protection.
The influx of gold seekers led to escalating conflicts with the Lakota Sioux as more settlers trespassed into their territory. This gold rush significantly impacted the political and social landscape of the region, leading to further confrontations and eventual changes in U.S. policy towards Native American lands.
The fort had to be abandoned when the miners were forced out by the Army. The Gordon Party took refuge at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and awaited their opportunity to return to the Black Hills. But the fort provided shelter for many others. Once the miners were “kicked out” the military unit guarding this area, moved in and used the log enclosure as their temporary home.
In September of 1876, after Custer’s defeat at the Little Bighorn, General George Crook was ordered to hunt down those Native Americans who had not come into reservations. He found the camp of Crazy Horse and American Horse (the killer of Captain Fetterman a decade earlier) at Slim Buttes near present day Reva, SD and attacked it. Although this encounter was minor, it led to a retreat by the Lakota. More significantly, it convinced Crazy Horse of the futility of continued flight because of the suffering of his people. For his part, Crook’s 150 mile return towards The Black Hills nearly ended in catastrophe, as the column ran out of food and water and the soldiers were forced to butcher their own horses. However, the troops made it back, and occupied the Gordon Stockade where they recuperated.
Through the years, the stockade was used by a wide variety of people until it fell into disrepair. In 2004, the old stockade was torn down and at a cost of a little over $800,000, it was replaced by the present-day structure.
The Gordon Stockade was a log fortress with intricate design inspired by the defensive needs of settlers.
The original Gordon Stockade, built in 1874 by settlers in the Dakota Territory, featured a series of log cabins arranged to form a defensive perimeter.
The cabins were constructed using hand-hewn logs, creating sturdy and durable buildings. Made from local timber, the cabins were essential for housing and defence. The log cabins were strategically positioned to form a protective wall.
A central watchtower provided a vantage point for early warning against threats.
The design reflects the practical needs of the settlers, focusing on protection, shelter, and functionality.
The Civilian Conservation Corps initiated the reconstruction efforts in the 1930s to preserve the Gordon Stockade’s historical significance. They were instrumental in recreating the stockade based on historical records and archaeological evidence.
The replica cabins closely match the original structures’ size, material, and construction techniques. Modern visitors can explore the replica to understand the settlers’ living conditions. The site is an educational resource, showcasing frontier life and building practices of the late 19th century.
The replica is a tribute to the original settlers and their resilient spirit, carefully reconstructed to maintain historical accuracy.
Today, tourists and others stop by the Gordon Stockade, getting a feeling for how those who migrated to this territory 140 years ago, actually lived and protected themselves from hostile Indians. Soldiers, later utilized the “old fort” using it as a headquarters, first to keep miners from coming to the Black Hills, and later to protect the new town of Custer which grew up just west of the stockade.