Ft. Pierre

     to Deadwood Trail

            

          

                   

 “I first became aware of the Deadwood Trail years ago when I came upon Ray Norman’s handmade wooden markers. These markers trace the path from Fort Pierre to Deadwood, of the old wagon wheel ruts running across the open grasslands of western South Dakota. Through my 30 years of involvement in the horse drawn vehicle trade my interest has grown appreciative of the historic trails and vehicles that have passed through my local region. You would hardly believe my excitement when I heard about a wagon train celebrating and traveling on the historic Deadwood trail. This legendary trail was used by historical figures like Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hancock and all the gold rush prospectors en-route to the Black Hills. Upon hearing about the trail ride, our shop went to work on restoring a Studebaker freight wagon and a Mud wagon that had previously been used on the Deadwood trail. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to drive my stagecoach down this old trail. While my coach bounced down the same ruts that once carried gold seekers filled with anticipation, I was able to look ahead down the trail and watch the 4-up mule hitch pulling our high side freighter. It was  certainly a memorable ride.”

 

                                                                                                                                    -Doug Hansen

   

Many friends and family members worked hard to help Doug and Holly make a good showing for HWWS. Everyone was very proud of their efforts to make the entire 220 mile ride.

We had three historic vehicles on the trail, Doug drove Bill Nigg's Abbott-Downing stagecoach. Todd Bender and his sidekick teamster - Clay Austin,drove Doug's restored Mudwagon originally used on the Deadwood Trail, Lynn Peterson furnished the mules for Doug's Tallside freight wagon. As a team Lynn drove the freight wagon with Mike Strohfus.  Several of Doug's friends / customers / and neighbors were also very involved.

Here is a collection of pictures from last year's trail ride - Trail Ride Pictures

The history of this hundred year old trail - Historical Information