Rochford, South Dakota – Friendliest Ghost Town in the Black Hills
Nestled within the rugged terrain of the Black Hills in South Dakota, lies Rochford, a former mining camp in Pennington County, renowned as the friendliest ghost town in the region. While time has weathered its structures and dwindled its population, Rochford retains a captivating charm, whispering tales of its vibrant past and the resilient spirit of its inhabitants.
Discovery and Early Development
The story of Rochford begins in August 1876 when three hunters from Deadwood – M.D. Rochford, Richard B. Hughes, and William Van Fleet – stumbled upon a gold-bearing rock on Montezuma Hill. This accidental discovery paved the way for the establishment of the Montezuma Gold Mine, marking the inception of Rochford’s mining legacy.
In February 1877, M.D. Rochford erected the first cabin, solidifying the town’s foundation. The following month, a prospecting party from Castle Creek unearthed more gold in various locations, leading to the formation of the Rochford Mining District to formally record their discoveries. News of the newfound goldfields spread like wildfire, drawing miners from Lead and Central City, who flocked to the area to stake their claims along Little Rapid Creek.
In May 1878, M.D. Rochford, along with county commissioner Richard B. Hughes, meticulously laid out the town in a gulch. In honor of M.D. Rochford, both the mining district and the town were named after him. Eagerly anticipated, lots were sold for prices ranging from $10 to $60, marking the beginning of Rochford’s transformation from a mere mining camp to a bustling town.
Booming Mining Camp
By December, Rochford’s population had swelled to 500, with an additional 500 prospectors residing in tents or log shelters scattered across the nearby hills. This surge in population fueled the growth of essential amenities, including a few doctors, a Methodist Episcopal Church, three saloons, six stores, and over 100 homes. Rochford was quickly evolving into a self-sufficient community, catering to the needs of its burgeoning population.
The town’s rapid development continued into January 1879, with the addition of two hotels, a theater, a butcher shop, two restaurants, two blacksmith shops, a drug store, and the Reder Brothers Sawmill. The sawmill, relocated from Rockerville, played a crucial role in providing lumber for the town’s buildings, producing an impressive 100,000 feet of lumber and 50,000 feet of roof shingles in a short period. Recognizing the town’s growing importance, Lawrence County funded the construction of a highway connecting Deadwood to Rochford for $300, facilitating trade and transportation.
Mining Operations and Infrastructure
Numerous mining operations sprang up in the area, including the Silver Reef, Resumption, Pride of the West, Oro Cache, Rattler, Mountain Treasure, Justin, Glenwood, Little Woodchuck, Ethan Allen, Wide West, and Surprise Fraction, along with branches of the Homestake Mining Company. However, the most significant gold discoveries were made at the Evangeline Mine on Irish Gulch and the Minnesota Mine on Silver Creek, each equipped with 20-stamp mills that operated tirelessly throughout the day.
The Standby Mine emerged as the most active producer, boasting a 40-stamp mill, a specially constructed elevated flume to haul water and generate power, and a large office/dwelling known as "The Mansion." The mill, constructed in 1879 and 1880, was stocked with equipment transported by wagon from Bismarck, North Dakota, showcasing the scale and ambition of the mining operations.
A Lively and Peaceful Town
When the mines were operating at full capacity, Rochford was a vibrant hub of activity. Miners and residents alike frequented the Shamrock Dance Hall and the Irish Gulch Saloon, seeking entertainment and camaraderie. The block-long line of stores, connected by wooden canopies covering the sidewalks, provided a convenient and bustling marketplace.
Unlike many other Western mining camps, Rochford maintained a relatively peaceful atmosphere, with significantly less violence compared to the notorious towns of Lead and Deadwood, located just 21 miles to the north. This peaceful environment contributed to Rochford’s reputation as a friendly and welcoming community.
Growth and Development
By 1880, Rochford had grown to a population of 315 and added a pool parlor and a newspaper called "The Central" to its list of amenities. That same year, the Langrishe Theatre Company graced the Rochford theatre with their performances, and the Rochford School District was established in April 1880, reflecting the town’s commitment to education. Another newspaper, "The Rochford Miner," also emerged, but it was discontinued in 1881.
Decline and Intermittent Operations
In June 1881, the Black Hills Daily Times noted the inactivity of the Standby Mill, lamenting it as "a stale, flat unprofitable piece of property, which is a grievous sight to behold to those who regard the prosperity of the country." Unfortunately, the mine had become unprofitable and was temporarily shut down.
However, mining operations experienced a resurgence by 1884, with the Black Hills Daily Times reporting that the "Standby was running on good ore." At that time, ore was extracted from six different locations as miners delved deeper into the mine. The Standby Mill resumed full capacity, with all 60 stamps in operation for the first time in three years.
Railroad and Subsequent Decline
In 1889, the Burlington Northern Railroad extended its tracks through Rochford as it pushed towards Deadwood from Custer, further connecting the town to the outside world.
However, the mine’s operations became intermittent in the following years, leading to a gradual decline in the town’s population. By 1900, only a post office and 48 residents remained, signaling the end of Rochford’s boom years.
Later Years and Preservation
In the 1930s, the Standby Mill was rebuilt and continued operation until 1942. "The Mansion," the large office/dwelling associated with the mine, was torn down sometime before 1950, and the mill itself was demolished in 1987.
By the 1950s, only the Moonshine Gulch Saloon, the Irish Gulch Dance Hall, and one store remained open, serving the dwindling population. The Burlington Northern Railroad tracks were eventually torn up in 1985-1986, further isolating Rochford.
Rochford Today
Today, Rochford is home to only about ten people, but the old mining camp continues to preserve several historic buildings, offering a glimpse into its rich past. The Moonshine Gulch Saloon remains in operation, welcoming visitors and tourists from near and far.
Rochford is located approximately 16 miles northwest of Hill City on Forest Service Road 17, a gravel road that connects Mystic, Rochford, Lead, and Deadwood.
Rochford stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the charm of a bygone era. Its friendly atmosphere and well-preserved historic structures make it a unique and memorable destination for those seeking a glimpse into the region’s mining heritage.