JULY 31: Did Custer Climb It?

Hikers near Harney Peak in 1890. (Credit: Library of Congress)

On the final day of July 1874, Custer, Capt. William Ludlow and a few other men climb Harney Peak, the tallest peak of the Black Hills. Reportedly, they did not return to camp until 1 a.m. the next day.

Climbing is one thing. Summiting is another. Information from PBS’s American Experience says Custer and party climbed it.  But multiple sources claim Custer “famously attempted” to ride his horse to the summit, but didn’t make it.

The first documented ascent of Harney Peak came in 1875, when Valentine McGillycuddy cleared the final steps to the summit. The record-setter went on to serve as the first agent at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and then mayor of Rapid City. Following his death, his ashes were scattered atop Harney Peak.

Later, sculptor Gutzon Borglum stood atop the granite mass of Harney Peak and made the decision to carve his grand monument on the face of nearby Mount Rushmore instead.

A historic fire lookout tower was constructed at the top of Harney Peak by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the mid-1930s.

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum climbing the face of Mt. Rushmore in 1923. (Credit: Library of Congress)