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wild west wednesdays
WRITTEN BY MADDILYNN KALLSEN + PHOTOS BY ALANA SNYDER
“During the time of the Black Hills Gold Rush , a young man claimed a chunk of land just outside of present-day Rapid City, South Dakota. His name was John Harrison Hart ,” said Hart Ranch Camping Resort Club manager Tim Schnabel . Hart—a Civil War soldier—carved out his ranching empire, and within two years he was running his cattle on a freight line from Pierre to Rapid City and over to Cheyenne, making him one of the most successful ranchers in the region, Schnabel adds.
“To this day, that concept is alive and well with the on-going workcamper concept used throughout the camping industry.” Over 140 years have passed, and Hart Ranch is still a destination for wayfaring travelers. The 195 acres is now a camping resort, originating in 1984. The Hart Ranch membership resort provides various amenities with the ability for visitors to customize their stay. Full-time travelers or the once-a-year vacationer are both able to have their needs met. “Members and visitors can enjoy the comforts of a modern cabin or one of our oversized, paved, full hook-up RV sites throughout the year,” elaborated Schnabel. “When it’s time for activity, there are plenty of recreational opportunities to suit every interest.”
Hart lived on the ranch until he passed.
“One of John’s legacies is his willingness to take in wayfaring travelers and offer them a place to stay in exchange for helping around the ranch,” said Schnabel.
34 | 605MAGAZINE.COM
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