Meeker Ranch, near Custer

Two meetings have taken place with the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor and Hell's Canyon District Ranger regarding the fate of Meeker Ranch, a Forest Service property located three miles east of Custer. At the second meeting, architect Fred Thurston presented a phased approach plan for preserving the ranch. The immediate need noted was in stablilizing the house, which will involve patching the roof, creating a swale to divert water from the foundation and boarding up windows and doors. Moving forward, we'll also be formalizing our partnership with the National Forest Service, putting together available research regarding the ranch's history and re-evaluating the property for eligibility to the State Historic Registry.

Gold Mountain Mine, near Hill City

The Black Hills Historic Preservation Trust is actively working toward the sustainability of Gold Mountain Mine's mill frame and boiler located four miles northwest of Hill City. In 2009, we will deconstruct the mill frame and determine which components are usable and those that will need replaced during reconstruction efforts in 2010. In addition to our preservation efforts, this historic structure will also serve as a future interpretive site on the history of Black Hills mining. 

Thus far, we've received a $5,00 Match Grant from the Rocky Mountain Region of the US Forest Service and a $25,000 Match Grant through the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission. Funds granted are then received as contributions for labor, materials and equipment. We also welcome broad-based community support in the form of in-kind donations, volunteerism and actively spreading the word about our efforts to the general public.