Sioux City Journal
May 29,1874
Dr. Hayden

The eminent Dr. Hayden was attached to a Government expedition as Geologist and Naturalist which passed through the Black Hills region in 1857, and in the official report published by order of Congress in 1859, under the title of "Explorations in Nebraska and Dakota," says: "My facilities for examination were very poor, and only a superficial one could be made, but enough was determined to show that gold and silver occurs in greater or less quantities, and that all the other minerals occur in abundance."
The above information for the most part is nothing new to the old readers of THE JOURNAL, having been published in substance in our column in the spring of 1872, when Black Hills excitement raged strongly in this section. At that time an expedition was in process of formation, when Government interference nipped it in the bud. In fact, attempted Black Hills expeditions are nothing new. We could not say how many different parties have desired to penetrate the new Eldorado, but we do know that in 1868, 1870, 1871 and 1872 respectively, attempts were made to organize expeditions which would have been successful but for Government interference.
Concerning the nature of Gen. Custer's movement there is doubt. The object to be attained is not stated, and it is not yet known whether civilians will be allowed to accompany the party. However, we can rest assured of one thing, this movement will be the wedge which will open the coveted country. Even if there be no gold worth delving for in the Black Hills, it is known positively that there is pine timber and coal in almost inexhaustible supplies, and the presence of these valuable articles of themselves is sufficient cause for the throwing open to civilization of the coveted region.
Should the Black Hills really be opened to whomsoever might be disposed to investigate their mineral wealth, the question naturally arises, which is the best route to them?
The distance from this city to Whetstone is about 165 miles, and from the latter point to the base of the Black Hills is not far from 200 miles, making the total distance from Sioux City to the Black Hills 365 miles. From Whetsone the mines lie in a southwesterly direction, and the route is over a natural wagon road. The expense of the trip from this city to Whetstone would be something like $18; and if necessary the distance could be traveled on foot, with a haversack of provisions, in a week's time.