#keystonesd

[rocketeer7]

Scientists have been able to utilize carbon-dating to evaluate the age of tools found in the area, which indicate a human presence that dates as far back as 11,500 BC with the Clovis culture. Stratigraphic records indicate environmental changes in the land, such as flood and drought patterns.

The Arikara arrived by AD 1500, followed by the Cheyenne, Crow, Kiowa and Pawnee. The Lakota (also known as Sioux) arrived from Minnesota in the 18th century and drove out the other tribes, who moved west. They claimed the land, which they called Ȟe Sápa (Black Mountains). The mountains commonly became known as the Black Hills.

- Wikipedia

[rocketeer7]

Beauty in the Blackhills. Custer State Park should be a National Park.

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Looking off into the Blackhills

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Quarrels and materialism disappear when your out in nature nurturing your own mental and physical health. The fresh air, dirt path, and and departure from modern technology makes life issues small compared to the age of the land and foliage.

[rocketeer7]

Black Elk Peak, Custer State Park

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The excitement rises walking into the Fire Tower on Black Elk Peak because we are teased with landscapes views.

[rocketeer7]

Originally, the fire tower was just a crate sat upon for spotting any forest fires. The next upgrade was a tent which later became a stone structure. When the The Civilian Conservation Corps,(CCC) a work relief program that gave millions of young men employment on environmental projects during the Great Depression, The Structure you know see arises.

[rocketeer7]