custer county 1881 court house museum

The 1881 Courthouse and Museum in Custer is precious. We spend two hours in the old Courthouse and marvel at all the exhibits: it looks like the folks around here have just used this place to put all the old stuff they found about their county and their history. No matter. It is very interesting. Somebody has donated memorabilia and photographs from the first Custer expedition to the Black Hills in 1874. We read all the materials carefully and discover that then, as now, "follow the money" was a serious motivating factor. The Black Hills were part of the lands given to the Indians when the Port Laramie Treaty was signed. Then, somebody discovered gold in the area. The Government tried to negotiate with the Indians about buying the land, but when negotiations failed, things were left on their own. Gold-hungry settlers came after the Custer Expedition and after a number of years fighting, the Indians were moved to a different Reservation. The Indians came back in our Century and brought demands. Demands for land, and gold, and Memorials and whatever else they can get away with. Those the ironies of history.

We had some time while in Custer so we stopped in for a visit. I believe the admission is $6. There are about 3 floors of exhibits mostly dedicated to local history - mining, forestry, farming, etc. One room has several very old animal mounts and some newer ones, you can see the differences in "technology". Outside are a couple other exhibits, an old barn behind the courthouse and across the street an old cabin. If you are interested in the local history of an area, this is a great place to stop.

If you like history and/or museums, you will like this museum. This is run by volunteers, so I am guessing there are lots of different people that work this place, but we got lucky as the lady there was very informative and friendly, and the museum was not very busy as we were there after the peak season, and during a day where the area had 8 inches of snow.

Lots to see, including the courtrooms and judge's chamber. I kept saying, "I remember those!" to nearly everything I saw there!

This museum displays a lot of local history from Custer to Crazy horse. It takes several hours to go through the entire place but well worth the time.

What a great place to learn about Custer and all of it's history. Many floors to see and to observe and learn about Custer, what a wonderful place. Well worth the entrance fee, good value.

This museum, set in the reclaimed Custer County Court House, houses exhibits detailing the history of Custer through its geological formation, civilized growth and development and cultural evolution.A volunteer community member at the museum pointed out many interesting details which visitors sometimes overlook. For example, in the first exhibit room displaying wildlife native to the region, two Wild Cats are perched atop a shelf. Aside from the animals themselves, they illustrate the advances made in the science of taxidermy as each one was done decades apart. The difference is astounding! They appear to be from different species.The court's original jail cell is a sight to behold as is the remarkably preserved 2nd-floor court room itself and judge's chambers. You'll also find several rooms depicting everyday life in 1881 Custer and so much more.

the displays in the courthouse were great and very interesting learned alot about history of custer both good and bad. Staff was very helpful and informative about the history and other places of interest to visit

My son was so excited to see this historical courthouse. Had enthusiastic staff (volunteers?), wonderful artifacts, and a great layout. If you like museums and historical sites, this is terrific. If you aren't sure, this courthouse is a great place to start. Ask about how the courthouse was burned many years ago; you can still see the singe marks.

The museum has a lot of well organized information and memorabilia about the history of the Black Hills and their settlement. Children won't like all of it, but there is enough there to keep them interested for a while.

Not sure it's worth the $6 entrance fee, but children under 11 are free so that's nice. A lot of antique pieces from different eras. I have two boys, two and four, and they both enjoyed all of the displays, particularly the jail cell in the basement. Staging could be better like getting rid of the creepy manakins. Staff we're very friendly and low key about the children in the museum. There are a couple of interactive displays that were fun for the kids (decorating doll house rooms and sitting in a saddle).

I volunteer here so I am partial BUT if you want to see a well done museum with Black Hills history this is an amazing little spot. The original courtroom with all it's furniture is beautiful! and don't get caught in the original jail...

This is a hidden gem of an attraction...a well-rounded set of artifacts and exhibits of the history of the area from life in the era to mining, wildlife, military, minerals and vehicle exhibits. The gift shop, while small, has MANY items from local artisans, which I always seek out. Definitely worth the modest price of admission! :)

Interesting museum with many historical pieces for viewing. Each room is made into a different theme. There are 3 floors to see plus an outside display of printing pressing, stagecoaches and old Model T's. I think it is definitely worth the $6. fee.

Although I have to admit up front that I'm a western history fan I found this museum very interesting and never felt that I was not using my vacation time wisely. I found as I wandered the building thinking about the day to day business that transpired in this building through the years. The staff were friendly and well informed about the items on display there.