Black Elk Peak
Formerly known as Harney Peak, Black Elk Peak is located in Custer State park and is the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. Lying at 7,242 feet above sea level, Black Elk Peak is a great hiking destination, at which great views of the Black Hills can be seen when the peak is reached.
Not only is Black Elk Peak a great place to visit and experience today, there is rich history behind the discovery and how it came to be what it is today. It is rich in history of the first pioneers upon the land and the Lakota that have occupied the area for generations. Starting at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, there are many hiking trails that can be taken to reach the summit and experience the beautiful Black Hills along the way.
The First Discovery
In 1874 General George Armstrong Custer had reported finding gold in the Black Hills area, which lead to him and his men climbing near Harney Peak, but never climbing to the peak. The first recorded visit to the top of the peak occurred a year later in 1875 by Valentine McGillycuddy, who was a surveyor tor the scientific expedition of the Newton-Jenny Party.
The First Name
At the time, the peak was known as Hinhan Kaga, which means the “Making of Owls” because of the surrounding rock formations that resembled owls, and also the Lakota Sioux associated owls with impending death (as many of their people had died in various battles in the area).
The Lakota History
The Lakota Sioux had occupied this area before the pioneers came and the considered it a very sacred site. The peak was given a new name in 1855, it was named after General William S. Harney by Lieutenant Governor K. Warren, who had fought for Harney in many battles. Harney won many battles fought in the area, so the highest peak in the area was consequently named after him.
Changing the Name
But the Lakota people never agreed with this naming, and waited almost 50 years for this name change, as Harney had massacred their people. On August 11, 2016 the U.S Board on Geographic names changed the name to Black Elk Peak from Harney Peak to honor Nicholas Black Elk, an Oglala Lakota Sioux Indian who is said to have survived the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the Wounded Knee Massacre. The Lakota waited almost 50 years for this name change, as Harney had massacred their people.
Today
Formerly known as Harney Peak, Black Elk Peak is located 3.7 miles southwest of the Mount Rushmore National Monument. It is the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States, and lies at 7,242 feet.
Hiking
It lies near Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, and has various trails to reach its summit. The most popular is Trail No. 9, and is three miles to the top, which makes for a 6 mile round trip taking approximately five hours to complete. It is of moderate difficulty, but anybody is good physical condition can make the journey.
Formerly known as Harney Peak, Black Elk Peak is located in Custer State park and is the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. Lying at 7,242 feet above sea level, Black Elk Peak is a great hiking destination, at which great views of the Black Hills can be seen when the peak is reached.
Not only is Black Elk Peak a great place to visit and experience today, there is rich history behind the discovery and how it came to be what it is today. It is rich in history of the first pioneers upon the land and the Lakota that have occupied the area for generations. Starting at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, there are many hiking trails that can be taken to reach the summit and experience the beautiful Black Hills along the way.
The First Discovery
In 1874 General George Armstrong Custer had reported finding gold in the Black Hills area, which lead to him and his men climbing near Harney Peak, but never climbing to the peak. The first recorded visit to the top of the peak occurred a year later in 1875 by Valentine McGillycuddy, who was a surveyor tor the scientific expedition of the Newton-Jenny Party.
The First Name
At the time, the peak was known as Hinhan Kaga, which means the “Making of Owls” because of the surrounding rock formations that resembled owls, and also the Lakota Sioux associated owls with impending death (as many of their people had died in various battles in the area).
The Lakota History
The Lakota Sioux had occupied this area before the pioneers came and the considered it a very sacred site. The peak was given a new name in 1855, it was named after General William S. Harney by Lieutenant Governor K. Warren, who had fought for Harney in many battles. Harney won many battles fought in the area, so the highest peak in the area was consequently named after him.
Changing the Name
But the Lakota people never agreed with this naming, and waited almost 50 years for this name change, as Harney had massacred their people. On August 11, 2016 the U.S Board on Geographic names changed the name to Black Elk Peak from Harney Peak to honor Nicholas Black Elk, an Oglala Lakota Sioux Indian who is said to have survived the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the Wounded Knee Massacre. The Lakota waited almost 50 years for this name change, as Harney had massacred their people.
Today
Formerly known as Harney Peak, Black Elk Peak is located 3.7 miles southwest of the Mount Rushmore National Monument. It is the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States, and lies at 7,242 feet.
Hiking
It lies near Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, and has various trails to reach its summit. The most popular is Trail No. 9, and is three miles to the top, which makes for a 6 mile round trip taking approximately five hours to complete. It is of moderate difficulty, but anybody is good physical condition can make the journey.