If you are a longtime reader of Only in South Dakota, you know that we love discovering and researching various ghost towns around the Mount Rushmore State, especially when they have intriguing histories. During one of our recent searches, we found the deserted yet fascinating town of Trojan, South Dakota, which once tried to make a comeback in the most unusual way:
Located in the Black Hills of Lawrence County, Trojan is — like so many other South Dakota ghost towns — a former mining town that was named for the nearby Trojan Mining Company.
Established in the late 1800s, Trojan turned out a whopping $20,000,000 in gold and other precious minerals during its 82 years of mining operations and did not begin to experience a decline until the late 1950s, with only residents remaining by 1959.
While most former-mining-turned ghost towns do not experience any sort of re-birth or revitalization, Trojan proved to be the exception to the rule, as the '60s and '70s brought in a new group of people who were not interested in its history or revamping the mines, but rather hosting live music festivals and events.
Nicknamed the "Hole in the Sky" by the hippies and other free spirits who called the area home from the late '60s through the early '70s, Trojan was soon showcasing countless shows and artistic demonstrations, including poets, singers, bands, painters, and more.
While the town's new residents — who were having the times of their lives enjoying the inexpensive mountain-top living — had nothing but good things to say about this new lifestyle and location, everything soon came to an end, as a new development company went in to expand their mining operation underneath the former town, leaving Trojan once again abandoned.
Pictured is the Cyanide plant of Trojan Mining Company circa 1919.
While nobody lives in Trojan today, it is still a sight to be seen, thanks to not only the abandoned homes and businesses but the incredible Black Hills scenery that encompasses this beautiful area.
To get an even better look at Trojan and the surrounding area, check out this fascinating documentary from SDPB:
Have you had a chance to visit this historic ghost town? We would love to see your photos and hear your stories in the comments! For even more can’t-miss ghost towns around the Mount Rushmore State, check out Visit These 7 Creepy Ghost Towns In South Dakota At Your Own Risk.
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