Black Elk Peak

Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in South Dakota. It is also the highest summit in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. The peak sits within the Black Hills in the Black Elk Wilderness area. This area is located in southern Pennington County. The mountain is positioned west-southwest of Mount Rushmore. While it is part of the North American Cordillera, the Black Hills are geologically separate from the Rocky Mountains.

The peak has several names that reflect its history and landscape. The Lakota Sioux people call the Black Hills Pahá Sápa or Ȟé Sápa. They have long considered this region a sacred site. One Lakota name for the peak is Hiŋháŋ Káǧa, which means "owl-maker." This name refers to rock formations that look like owls. Another name used by the Lakota is Heȟáka Sápa, meaning "elk black." These names connect the land to the natural world and spiritual beliefs.

For much of its recent history, the mountain was known as Harney Peak. In 1855, American Lieutenant Gouverneur K. Warren chose this name. He named it after his commander, U.S. General William S. Harney. This name was controversial for the Lakota people. In September 1855, Harney's forces killed Sicangu warriors, women, and children during the Battle of Blue Water Creek. Because of these actions, the Lakota sought to change the name for 50 years. In 2014, Basil Brave Heart led a renewed effort to change the name. He was a Korean War veteran from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

A significant change occurred on August 11, 2016. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names officially renamed the mountain Black Elk Peak. This decision came from a unanimous 12–0 vote. The new name honors Black Elk, a famous Lakota Sioux medicine man. He was also a Catholic Servant of God. Black Elk received a "Great Vision" at this peak when he was nine years old. He later shared his life and philosophy in the 1932 book, "Black Elk Speaks." The book was written by John G. Neihardt after long talks with the medicine man.

Scientific measurements have helped define the exact nature of the summit. In September 2016, professional surveyors used GNSS data to find the true elevation. They worked for two days to get precise results. They identified the highest natural rock at the NAVD88 datum. They also found a secondary peak located about 300 feet south of the lookout tower. This secondary peak is unofficially named "McGillicuddy's Peak." It is slightly lower than the main summit according to the survey.

The mountain also holds several historic manmade structures. In 1911, settlers used the peak as a fire lookout site. A small wood structure was built in 1920 and expanded in 1921. Later, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a stone fire tower in 1938. This was part of many Great Depression-era projects. A dam and a pumphouse were also built in 1935 and 1938. These structures, along with the tower and stairs, were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The site is recognized for its architectural and cultural significance.

Today, Black Elk Peak is a destination for hikers and nature lovers. Many people access the summit through the Black Hills National Forest. One popular route starts at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. This trail is about 7 miles long for the round trip. It is considered the shortest and least strenuous path to the top. Visitors can see the old stone tower at the summit. The area remains a place of great spiritual and historical importance for the Lakota people.