The History Tour and Great Scenery Too

The time in Havre provided us with a glimpse of history. We were exposed to the wild west of a railroad town and the use of the lands by Native Americans which continued our interest in visiting other historical places within the states.

We stopped in Billings for a few days to get caught up on things. We managed to take a bit of time and tour the Moss Mansion which is a historic house museum. The story behind the Moss Mansion is in 1903 entrepreneur P. B. Moss built the Moss Mansion which greatly influenced the culture of Billings. The Billings Preservation Society has maintained the mansion in its original state. Pretty amazing but glad I don’t have to dust it!

Steve Wondering if it's for sale

 

We also discovered that Billings has their very own Boot Hill Cemetery even though we didn’t recognize any of the individuals that were laid to rest there!

Billings' Boot Hill

Called that due to burying the dead with their boots on

 

We left Billings to head toward Spearfish South Dakota to see what the Black Hills were all about. Along the way we stopped at the Battle of Little Bighorn also known as Custer’s Last Stand. The relationship between the National Park Service and the Native Americans at this special location is wonderful. We learned more about the battle through a Park Ranger that gave a great account of “The Battle” which brought to life the history. He would have been great as our history teacher! Oh yeah he is a retired history teacher.

Markers at the Battle Field

The Battle

The Tribute to the Native Americans

 

 

We trekked across the remaining part of Wyoming to hit our next spot for our adventure, Spearfish South Dakota!

The history continued from our newest home base in Spearfish as we ventured to Deadwood South Dakota. Deadwood is known for being the last place that “Wild Bill” Hickok played cards. “Wild Bill” was shot in the back during a card game at the #10 Saloon. We were able to have a bite to eat and watch the re-enactment of that card game. Not sure if “Wild Bill” was winning the game but it didn’t matter in the end.

Main Street Deadwood SD

Willd Bill

 

Uh Oh! Jack McCall Get's Ready to Shoot

 

We ventured to the Mt. Moriah Cemetery located at the top of a hill in Deadwood. Both James Butler Hickok “Wild Bill” and Martha “Calamity Jane” Canary are buried there. The cemetery provides a lesson in the early history of the area. If you ever make it to Deadwood taking time out to see it is worthwhile.

On the hill in Deadwood

James Butler Hickok (Wild Bill)

 

Calamity Jane next to Wild Bill's grave

 

The area near Spearfish is also full of mining history and of course brought many enthusiasts out west to try their hand at mining. The town of Lead has the Homestake Mine which is still active today.

One day we headed back to Wyoming to check out the Devils Tower National Monument.

 

There are several stories surrounding the Devils Tower which you learn when you visit. The geological story however explains how molten magma was forced into sedimentary rocks above it and cooled underground. As it cooled it contracted and fractured into columns which erosion of sedimentary rock resulted in the tower. When you stand at the base you are simply amazed.

Framed by Trees

From the Trail

There is a great trail around the base of the tower so you get a view from all sides. While we were wandering we discovered a few rock climbers up on one of the sides. Not something we felt compelled to do which is a good thing considering I trip on air!

One Big Rock

 

The View from the Tower

 

The start of the trail takes you by this tipi and Steve thinks he wants to trade the trailer in for it. I guess he thinks we will get better gas mileage!

 

Look Tory it is Big Enough

 

Change of scenery leaving the tower

 

We were also able to get a couple rounds of golf in at the Spearfish Canyon Country Club. This course is challenging but worth it as the view takes away the pain of a bad golf shot!

Izzy loved the swimming holes we found her along the Spearfish Creek. The drive through Spearfish Canyon is quite beautiful too. 

Getting Ready

Steve wanted to see if he could get the large trout that were feeding near Izzy’s swimming spot to bite. Of course this made Izzy crazy as she had to wait until her Dad gave up! Oh by the way, the fish didn’t like what Steve was serving!

Waiting Patiently to Go Swimming

Working the lure

 

The night before we left Spearfish we had the opportunity to have Pat and Molly over for dinner. We met them through George and Beth as they have been friends for over 20 years. We had a great time and as you can see by this picture Izzy approved too!

Pat, Molly and Izzy

 

We left Chris’ Camp Tuesday morning to go check out the southern part of the Black Hills. More to come!