Custer: The Gateway to the Black Hills

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see yuh lay-tur]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNah
  [nuh]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez / no prob-lem]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [par-dun mee / my bad]
• How are you?Howdy
  [haw-dee]
• Fine. And you?Just dandy. How 'bout you?
  [just dan-dee. how bout yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [yawl speak ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [I aint catch-in on]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I take a gander at the menu, please
  [can I take a gan-der at the menu, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I don't do meat]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [baw-tums up]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon it's time to settle up
  [I reck-on its time to set-ul up]

• Help!SOS!
  [S-O-S]
• Go away!Git outta here!
  [git out-uh here]
• Call the Police!Phone the Sheriff!
  [phone the sher-iff]
• Call a doctor!Get the Doc on the line!
  [get the doc on the line]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [I'm turned around]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [I'm feel-in poorly]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to buy...
  [I'm fix-in to buy]
• I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [I'm just brow-zin]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-age]
• That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [That's a bit steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can you do better on the price?
  [Can you do bet-ter on the price]

• What time is it?What's the hour?
  [whats the hour]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [Morn-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [Even-in]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yes-t'day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrah
  [tom-orr-ah]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [seven]
• 8Eight
  [eight]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wheres the]
• What's the address?What's the street name?
  [whats the street name]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?
  [Can you point it out]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next bus]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket]

In 1874, General George Armstrong Custer led an expedition into the Black Hills, an area considered sacred by the Lakota Sioux. The discovery of gold in French Creek set off the Black Hills Gold Rush, attracting thousands of prospectors to the region. This influx of settlers led to the establishment of the town of Custer, named after the general himself. The gold rush played a significant role in the settlement and development of the area, though it also resulted in conflicts with the Native American tribes who were displaced by the encroachment of miners.

Custer, South Dakota, was officially founded in 1875, making it the oldest town established by European Americans in the Black Hills. The town quickly grew as a hub for miners and prospectors seeking their fortunes. The early days of Custer were characterized by rapid construction, with tents and log cabins springing up to accommodate the influx of new residents. The initial prosperity from the gold rush, however, was short-lived as richer veins were discovered elsewhere in the Black Hills.

Fort Meade, established in 1878 near Sturgis, played a crucial role in the history of Custer and the surrounding Black Hills region. The fort was established to protect settlers and miners from potential conflicts with the Lakota Sioux, who were resisting the encroachment on their lands. Soldiers from Fort Meade were often dispatched to maintain order and provide security, which helped stabilize the region and allowed for continued settlement and development.

Although the Battle of the Little Bighorn did not occur in Custer, South Dakota, it is intimately connected to the town's namesake, General George Armstrong Custer. In 1876, Custer and his troops were defeated by a coalition of Native American tribes in what is now Montana. This event had significant repercussions for U.S. government policies towards Native Americans and the settlement of the American West. The battle remains a pivotal moment in American history and is often reflected upon by visitors to Custer, who are reminded of the complex and often tragic interactions between settlers and Native American tribes.

Just a short drive from Custer is the Crazy Horse Memorial, an ongoing mountain carving project begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. The memorial honors the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and aims to preserve and promote Native American culture and history. Once completed, it will be the largest sculpture in the world. The project is entirely funded by private donations and admissions, and visitors to Custer often take the opportunity to visit this monumental work in progress, gaining insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Custer State Park, established in 1912, is one of the most significant natural attractions in the area. Spanning over 71,000 acres, the park is home to diverse wildlife, including a large herd of American bison. The park's scenic drives, such as the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, offer breathtaking views of the Black Hills' rugged landscape. The park also serves as a reminder of the conservation efforts that have been undertaken to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the region.

The George S. Mickelson Trail, named after a former South Dakota governor, is a 109-mile-long trail that winds through the Black Hills, passing through Custer. The trail follows the path of the historic Burlington Northern Railroad line, which once served the region's mining and logging industries. Today, the Mickelson Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding while providing a glimpse into the area's industrial past.

Custer, South Dakota is accessible via Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), which is approximately 50 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to reach Custer. Alternatively, you can drive to Custer from major cities like Denver or Minneapolis, which are about 6-8 hours away by car.

The best way to get around Custer is by car, as public transportation options are limited. Car rentals are available at the Rapid City Regional Airport and in town. For those who prefer not to drive, local taxi services and guided tours are also available. Biking is another popular option for exploring the city and nearby attractions like Custer State Park.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Custer, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when venturing into more remote areas or for small purchases and tips.

Custer is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always best.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Custer has a local police station and medical facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers; weather can change quickly. Casual attire is generally acceptable. Religion: Do respect local customs if visiting religious sites, although Custer is not particularly known for them. Public Transport: Do use car rentals or taxis as public transport is limited. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly hello or handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like bison burgers. Don't forget to tip; 15-20% is standard in restaurants.

To experience Custer like a local, visit the Custer Farmers Market for fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with locals for stories about the town’s history and hidden gems. Don’t miss the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, a unique event where you can see a herd of over 1,300 bison. For a scenic adventure, take a drive along the Needles Highway, which offers breathtaking views and unique rock formations.