USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Black Hills Gold Rush took place in Dakota Territory in the United States. It began in 1874 following the Custer Expedition and reached a peak in 1876–77.

Detailed explanation-2: -In 1876, gold was discovered in the Black Hills of the Dakotas. The area had been primarily Indian Territory, with some of its designated sacred Indian burial ground. The lure of the gold was so great that prospectors did not hesitate to over-run Indian lands.

Detailed explanation-3: -Since Colonel George Custer’s expedition of 1874 confirmed the presence of gold in French Creek, (near present-day Custer, SD) word spread quickly and triggered the Black Hills Gold Rush.

Detailed explanation-4: -Laramie, which promised 60 million acres of the Black Hills “for the absolute and undisturbed use and occupancy of the Sioux.” Settlers were aware that the Black Hills were sacred, considered the womb of Mother Earth and the location of ceremonies, vision quests, and burials.

Detailed explanation-5: -The region has been inhabited by Native Americans for almost 10, 000 years. The Arikara arrived in the Black Hills by about 1500 A.D., followed by the Cheyenne, Crow, Kiowa, and Pawnee. However, when the Lakota arrived in the 18th century, they drove out the other tribes and claimed the land for themselves.