1824? – 1888

One of the Black Hills’ most interesting figures, Sarah Campbell is buried in the little community of Galina near Deadwood, South Dakota. Sarah Campbell, who traveled with the General George Armstrong Custer expedition of 1874, shares her experiences living during the Gold Rush.

Probably born into slavery in Kentucky, Sarah tells of having traveled the Missouri River on steam boats for years. She was in Bismarck, Dakota Territory, when Custer was commissioned to survey the Black Hills of Dakota Territory. She signed on as a cook with the expedition. She was known as “Aunt Sally” to both soldiers and miners and all who loved her.

She is reportedly the first woman to file a mining claim: claim number 7, Custer Gulch on Aug 5, 1874.

Celebrate the life of this very charismatic woman by booking Joyce today!