Custer State Park: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|State park in South Dakota, United States}} |
{{short description|State park in South Dakota, United States}} |
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| name = Custer State Park |
| name = Custer State Park |
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| location = [[Custer County, South Dakota |
| location = [[Custer County, South Dakota]], United States |
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{{Black Hills and Badlands}} |
{{Black Hills and Badlands}} |
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'''Custer State Park''' is a [[List of South Dakota state parks|South Dakota State Park]] and [[wildlife reserve]] in the [[Black Hills]] |
'''Custer State Park''' is a [[List of South Dakota state parks|South Dakota State Park]] and [[wildlife reserve]] in the [[Black Hills]] of the United States. Located in [[Custer County, South Dakota|Custer County]], the park is South Dakota's first and largest state park, named after [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[George Armstrong Custer]]. The park covers an area of over {{convert|71000|acre|km2|0|sp=us}} of varied terrain including rolling prairie grasslands and rugged mountains.<ref name=SDGFP>{{cite web| title =Custer State Park| url =http://www.sdgfp.info/parks/Regions/Custer/custersp.htm| access-date =2007-10-18| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071024190139/http://www.sdgfp.info/parks/Regions/Custer/custersp.htm| archive-date =2007-10-24}}</ref> |
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The park is home to a herd of 1,500 [[Plains bison|bison]].<ref>{{Cite |
The park is home to a herd of 1,500 [[Plains bison|bison]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bonnet|first=Siandhara|date=August 30, 2021|title=Woman tossed by bison at Custer State Park|url=https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/woman-tossed-by-bison-at-custer-state-park/article_85fa75e4-8f05-5f0f-bd9c-1d50d713178f.amp.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-31|work=Billings Gazette|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831010526/https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/woman-tossed-by-bison-at-custer-state-park/article_85fa75e4-8f05-5f0f-bd9c-1d50d713178f.amp.html |archive-date=2021-08-31 }}</ref><ref name=SDGFP/> [[Elk]], [[coyote]]s, [[mule deer]], [[white tailed deer]], [[mountain goat]]s, [[prairie dog]]s, [[bighorn sheep]], [[North American river otter|river otter]]s, [[pronghorn]], [[North American cougar|cougar]]s, and [[feral]] [[donkey|burros]] also inhabit the park. The park is known for its scenery, its scenic drives ([[Needles Highway]] and the wildlife loop), with views of the bison herd and [[prairie dog]] towns. This park is easily accessible by road from [[Rapid City, South Dakota|Rapid City]]. Other nearby attractions are [[Wind Cave National Park]], [[Mount Rushmore]], [[Jewel Cave National Monument]], [[Crazy Horse Memorial]], and [[Badlands National Park]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The area originally started out as sixteen sections, but was later changed into one block of land because of the challenges of the terrain.<ref name=Thune>{{cite web | last =Thune | first =John | author-link =John Thune | title =Custer State Park | work =Local Legacies | publisher =The Library of Congress | url =http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cocoon/legacies/SD/200003526.html | access-date =2007-10-18 }}</ref> The park began to grow rapidly in the 1920s and gained new land. During the 1930s the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] built miles of roads, laid out parks and campgrounds, and built three dams that set up a future of water recreation at the park. In 1964 an additional {{convert|22900|acre|km2|0|sp=us}} were added to the park.<ref name=Thune/> |
The area originally started out as sixteen sections, but was later changed into one block of land because of the challenges of the terrain.<ref name=Thune>{{cite web | last =Thune | first =John | author-link =John Thune | title =Custer State Park | work =Local Legacies | publisher =The Library of Congress | url =http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cocoon/legacies/SD/200003526.html | access-date =2007-10-18 }}</ref> The park began to grow rapidly in the 1920s and gained new land. During the 1930s the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] built miles of roads, laid out parks and campgrounds, and built three dams that set up a future of water recreation at the park. In 1964 an additional {{convert|22900|acre|km2|0|sp=us}} were added to the park.<ref name=Thune/> |
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== Bison herd == |
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{{Further|Conservation of American bison}} |
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Thirty-six bison were bought in 1914 to begin a herd. It is estimated that the park can sustain about 1,000 bison.<ref name="AP 2023-09-29">{{Cite news |last=Ballentine |first=Summer |date=2023-09-29 |title=US' only bison roundup rustles up hundreds to maintain health of the species |url=https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bison-south-dakota-herd-roundup-d13107e5b02267c99bdccc7e9ad9f0d3 |access-date=2023-09-30 |work=AP News |language=en}}</ref> The park has an annual bison roundup as 400 to 500 calves are born each year. At an auction in September, several hundred are sold at auction so that the remaining number of animals will be compatible with the [[Rangeland management|rangeland forage]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Kelleher|first=Suzanne Rowan|date=September 23, 2020|title=How To Watch The Annual Buffalo Roundup Livestreamed From South Dakota|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2020/09/23/how-to-watch-the-annual-buffalo-roundup-livestreamed-from-south-dakota/|access-date=2020-09-25|magazine=Forbes|language=en}}</ref> Their genetics can be used to improve the health of other herds.{{r|AP 2023-09-29}} |
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The annual roundups began in 1965 with the viewing crowd growing to 16,000 to 20,000 people.<ref name="KN 2023-09-28">{{Cite news |last=Yost |first=Rae |date=2023-09-28 |title=Bison round up requires skilled riders |url=https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-original/bison-round-up-requires-skilled-riders/ |access-date=2023-09-30 |work=KELOLAND News |language=en-US}}</ref> South Dakota Governor [[Kristi Noem]], a horseback rider, has taken part in the roundup which involves 50 to 60 riders herding the animals over a {{convert|5 |mile||adj=mid|spell =in|trail}}.{{r|AP 2023-09-29}} The examinations includes gathering biological information such as height, weight, and pregnancy checks. Calves are branded and vaccinated.{{r|KN 2023-09-28}} |
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The annual roundups began in 1965; more than 10,000 people now attend each one.<ref>{{cite news |work=Washington Post |date=September 23, 2012 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/organizers-more-than-10k-spectators-expected-at-annual-buffalo-roundup-in-custer-state-park/2012/09/23/aa03286e-05d2-11e2-9eea-333857f6a7bd_story.html |publisher=Associated Press|title=Organizers: More than 10K spectators expected at annual buffalo roundup in Custer State Park }}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |
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Opened in May 2016, Custer State Park's visitor center has information on the animals of the park, as well as a 20-minute film detailing the history and layout of the park. |
Opened in May 2016, Custer State Park's visitor center has information on the animals of the park, as well as a 20-minute film detailing the history and layout of the park. |
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==Begging Burros== |
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[[File:BlackhillsCusterStateParkBurros.jpg|thumb|Begging Burros]] |
[[File:BlackhillsCusterStateParkBurros.jpg|thumb|Begging Burros]] |
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Begging Burros refers to the [[donkey]]s in Custer State Park. For many years, these donkeys have approached cars [[Begging behavior in animals|begging]] for food.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} |
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The Begging Burros inhabit one area of the park upon a hill where approximately 15 of them try to obtain any food they can. Custer State Park's roadway is often blocked off by these animals, so it is advised to exercise caution and patience when encountering them. |
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==In popular culture== |
==In popular culture== |
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Movies filmed in Custer State Park, include ''[[The Last Hunt]]'' (1956), ''[[How the West Was Won (film)|How the West Was Won]]'' (1962) and ''[[A Man Called Horse (film)|A Man Called Horse]]'' (1970).<ref>Barth, Jack (1991). ''Roadside Hollywood: The Movie Lover's State-By-State Guide to Film Locations, Celebrity Hangouts, Celluloid Tourist Attractions, and More''. Contemporary Books. Pages 88-89. {{ISBN|9780809243266}}.</ref> |
Movies filmed in Custer State Park, include ''[[The Last Hunt]]'' (1956), ''[[How the West Was Won (film)|How the West Was Won]]'' (1962) and ''[[A Man Called Horse (film)|A Man Called Horse]]'' (1970).<ref>Barth, Jack (1991). ''Roadside Hollywood: The Movie Lover's State-By-State Guide to Film Locations, Celebrity Hangouts, Celluloid Tourist Attractions, and More''. Contemporary Books. Pages 88-89. {{ISBN|9780809243266}}.</ref> |
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U.S. President [[Calvin Coolidge]] and his wife Grace vacationed at Custer State Park for several weeks during the summer of 1927. In nearby [[Rapid City]], where he had his summer office, Coolidge announced to assembled reporters |
U.S. President [[Calvin Coolidge]] and his wife Grace vacationed at Custer State Park for several weeks during the summer of 1927. [[Grace Coolidge Creek]] and its surrounding campground and trail are named in honor of the visit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zind |first=Steve |date=2017-10-28 |title=A Visit From Calvin Coolidge 90 Years Ago Changed The Black Hills Of South Dakota |url=https://www.vermontpublic.org/vpr-news/2017-10-28/a-visit-from-calvin-coolidge-90-years-ago-changed-the-black-hills-of-south-dakota |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Vermont Public |language=en}}</ref> In nearby [[Rapid City]], where he had his summer office, Coolidge announced to assembled reporters, "[[I do not choose to run]]" for reelection in 1928. |
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{{wide image|Custer State Park (2020).jpg|1000px|[[Sylvan Lake (South Dakota)|Sylvan Lake]] at Custer State Park}} |
{{wide image|Custer State Park (2020).jpg|1000px|[[Sylvan Lake (South Dakota)|Sylvan Lake]] at Custer State Park}} |
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Latest revision as of 05:39, 23 July 2024
| Custer State Park | |
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.jpg) American bison at the Wildlife Loop Road | |
  Location of Custer State Park in South Dakota | |
| Location | Custer County, South Dakota, United States |
| Coordinates | 43°44′45″N 103°25′5″W / 43.74583°N 103.41806°W |
| Area | 71,000 acres (290 km2) |
| Elevation | 4,721 ft (1,439 m)[1] |
| Established | 1912 |
| Named for | George Armstrong Custer |
| Governing body | South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) |
 .jpg) |
| Southwestern South Dakota |
|---|
| Sculptures |
| Geologic and natural history |
| Mountains |
| Caves |
| Forests and wildernesses |
| Lakes |
| Scenic byways |
| Historic sites |
Custer State Park is a South Dakota State Park and wildlife reserve in the Black Hills of the United States. Located in Custer County, the park is South Dakota's first and largest state park, named after Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. The park covers an area of over 71,000 acres (287 km2) of varied terrain including rolling prairie grasslands and rugged mountains.[2]
The park is home to a herd of 1,500 bison.[3][2] Elk, coyotes, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountain goats, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, river otters, pronghorn, cougars, and feral burros also inhabit the park. The park is known for its scenery, its scenic drives (Needles Highway and the wildlife loop), with views of the bison herd and prairie dog towns. This park is easily accessible by road from Rapid City. Other nearby attractions are Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Badlands National Park.
History
[edit]The area originally started out as sixteen sections, but was later changed into one block of land because of the challenges of the terrain.[4] The park began to grow rapidly in the 1920s and gained new land. During the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps built miles of roads, laid out parks and campgrounds, and built three dams that set up a future of water recreation at the park. In 1964 an additional 22,900 acres (93 km2) were added to the park.[4]
Bison herd
[edit]Thirty-six bison were bought in 1914 to begin a herd. It is estimated that the park can sustain about 1,000 bison.[5] The park has an annual bison roundup as 400 to 500 calves are born each year. At an auction in September, several hundred are sold at auction so that the remaining number of animals will be compatible with the rangeland forage.[6] Their genetics can be used to improve the health of other herds.[5]
The annual roundups began in 1965 with the viewing crowd growing to 16,000 to 20,000 people.[7] South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a horseback rider, has taken part in the roundup which involves 50 to 60 riders herding the animals over a five-mile trail (8.0 km).[5] The examinations includes gathering biological information such as height, weight, and pregnancy checks. Calves are branded and vaccinated.[7]
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Pronghorn at the Wildlife loop road -
Black Hills in Custer State Park
Museums
[edit]The Peter Norbeck Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is located on U.S. Route 16A in Custer. Exhibits focus on the park's natural history and cultural heritage, and include wildlife dioramas, a CCC bunkhouse and a gold prospecting display. The center is named for South Dakota Governor and Senator Peter Norbeck. Many of the park's naturalist programs begin at the center.
Badger Hole, also known as Badger Clark Historical Site, was the home of Charles Badger Clark (1883–1957), who was named South Dakota's first Poet Laureate in 1937[8] and was noted for his cowboy poetry. The house is maintained as it was when Clark lived there. Visitors can tour the home and hike the adjacent Badger Clark Historic Trail.
Opened in May 2016, Custer State Park's visitor center has information on the animals of the park, as well as a 20-minute film detailing the history and layout of the park.
In popular culture
[edit]Movies filmed in Custer State Park, include The Last Hunt (1956), How the West Was Won (1962) and A Man Called Horse (1970).[9]
U.S. President Calvin Coolidge and his wife Grace vacationed at Custer State Park for several weeks during the summer of 1927. Grace Coolidge Creek and its surrounding campground and trail are named in honor of the visit.[10] In nearby Rapid City, where he had his summer office, Coolidge announced to assembled reporters, "I do not choose to run" for reelection in 1928.
.jpg)
See also
[edit]- Conservation of American bison
- List of protected grasslands of North America
- List of South Dakota state parks
References
[edit]- ^ "Custer State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. February 13, 1980. Retrieved February 28, 2011.
- ^ a b "Custer State Park". Archived from the original on October 24, 2007. Retrieved October 18, 2007.
- ^ Bonnet, Siandhara (August 30, 2021). "Woman tossed by bison at Custer State Park". Billings Gazette. Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
- ^ a b Thune, John. "Custer State Park". Local Legacies. The Library of Congress. Retrieved October 18, 2007.
- ^ a b c Ballentine, Summer (September 29, 2023). "US' only bison roundup rustles up hundreds to maintain health of the species". AP News. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
- ^ Kelleher, Suzanne Rowan (September 23, 2020). "How To Watch The Annual Buffalo Roundup Livestreamed From South Dakota". Forbes. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
- ^ a b Yost, Rae (September 28, 2023). "Bison round up requires skilled riders". KELOLAND News. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
- ^ http://www.badgerclark.org/ Archived 2009-06-15 at the Wayback Machine Badger Clark Memorial Society
- ^ Barth, Jack (1991). Roadside Hollywood: The Movie Lover's State-By-State Guide to Film Locations, Celebrity Hangouts, Celluloid Tourist Attractions, and More. Contemporary Books. Pages 88-89. ISBN 9780809243266.
- ^ Zind, Steve (October 28, 2017). "A Visit From Calvin Coolidge 90 Years Ago Changed The Black Hills Of South Dakota". Vermont Public. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Custer State Park.
