AUG 30: Black Hills Expedition Ends

On Aug. 30, 1874, Custer’s Expedition arrives back at Forth Lincoln, approximately 59 days after setting out for the Black Hills. Newspapers begin announcing “gold fever” in the Black Hills following its discovery by the Custer party earlier that month.

Fort Abraham Lincoln near present-day Bismarck, ND, in 1875. (Credit: National Park Service)

Nearing the fort on August 30, correspondent William Curtis wrote, “The mules of the wagon train lifted up their voices and wept for joy.” After traveling 883 miles, the expedition returned with the band playing the 7th Cavalry’s signature tune “Garryowen.”

The Expedition experienced one fatality. On Aug. 13, after breaking a trail through Custer Gap, Private James King died that evening of dysentery. His body was buried the next morning as the Expedition headed east out of the Black Hills.

Custer’s discovery of gold in the Black Hills set off gold fever among miners from across the nation, lured by the promise of quick riches.