43RD DAY

43nd DAY (AUGUST 13TH) OF CUSTER'S EXPEDITION TO BLACK HILLS IN 1874. TRAIL IS 4.7 MILES STARTING AT THE JUNCTION OF BOX ELDER CREEK AND BOGUS JIM CREEK. STARTING POINT IS APPROXIMATELY 7.4 MILES FROM RAPID CITY. MAP COVERING THE ROUTE OF AUGUST 13TH IS THE PIEDMONT QUADRANGLE.

# 1 Latitude N44 07 42
Longitude W103 24 53

Ludlow's log indicates for the time of start on the 13th, as twelve noon and arrival at 2:00 pm.

The late start was due to the amount of work performed by the Pioneers to prepare a route up through Custer Gap. This gives Illingsworth time to take a group picture.

According to Grant, " Left the valley and went upon a prairie and camped there for the night."

Forsyth reported, " Started at 2 p.m. and crossing the Box Elder moved east up the dry bed of a creek, which has forced its way through the limestone bluffs that just here loom up along the east bank of the stream in a solid wall, and pushed upon to an open prairie, or pass, about 100 feet above the creek, and moving south along the bank, encamped just below where the Box Elder sinks in its bed and disappears entirely, though we followed the dry bed down stream for several miles. Capt. Raynolds, in his report of the country adjacent to the Black Hills, mentions this as a curious fact stating that nearly all of the large streams running out of the hills, sink and disappear entirely before finally emptying into the Belle Fourche and South Fork of the Cheyenne."

Custer states, " I searched for and discovered a narrow gap in the rocky wall which forms the northern boundary of the valley and which was conveniently large to allow our wagons to pass through. A march of an hour up a gradual ascent and through a pine forest containing thousands of acres."

Ludlow also reported, " Lt. Godfrey with an escort was dispatched down the creek to determine its course and ascertain its position from bearings to Bear Butte and Harney when clear of the Hills. The main trail turned north across the Creek, and following a narrow ravine for a few miles. Then turning East and South through open timber and a second growth of pine emerged upon an open rolling park of great extent."

Winchell said, " We passed more easterly out of the valley in which we camped and find after ascending a difficult ravine in which some of the wagons capsized. A more open, level country clothed only with scattered, small pines and turfed with good grass."

Proceed East on 2335 for one quarter mile to the following reading:

#2 Latitude N44 08 02
Longitude W103 24 36

At this reading, look North and a gap through the limestone formation is visible. Crossing Box Elder Creek at this point is not recommended. Continue on Hwy. 2335 for one mile and at the top of the hill turn left (North) at Route 148. Proceed North to a reading of:

#3 Latitude N44 09 00
Longitude W103 24 25

At this point drainage descending to the Southwest should be visible. Park the car and follow the valley to a reading of:

#4 Latitude N44 08 24
Longitude W103 24 41

Continue down the drainage to the Box Elder Creek and from this point return to the car. Drive South on Rte. 148 to this reading:

#5 Latitude N44 08 36
Longitude W103 24 00

Tracks are on the East side of Rte.148 running North to South. Return to Hwy. 2335 and proceed East to:

#6 Latitude N44 08 21
Longitude W103 23 26

This is a designated grave site of James King, Private in the 7th Cavalry.
Ludlow's recorded reading for the campsite of August 13, 1874 is:

#7 Latitude N44 07 46
Longitude W103 23 48

According to Ludlow, " The open prairie was visible separated from us by wooded ridge which though not high, was deeply cut by ravines. Elm trees were seen in the vicinity of camp and a plantation of wild hops was reported."

Winchell said, " There is still one large ridge between us and the plains of the latter, the train men now get the first view since entering the Hills, though many of the troops and citizens not confined to the line of march have seen the plains from various parts of the Hills since we first entered them. Some having been down onto them."

Custer reported, "...and from which we obtained a fine view in the distance of our old aquaintance, the plains. Here we pitched our tents for the last time in the Black Hills, nearly everyone being loathe to leave a region which had been found so delightful in almost every respect."

Forsyth commented, " Just as we reached camp tonight, one of the men of Company H. James King, died of typhoid fever. He will be buried in the morning."