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On January 11, 2025, Pennington County celebrated 150 years since its establishment in 1875. The county's rich history is deeply tied to the events that shaped the Black Hills region and the state of South Dakota. Our county’s history began with Custer's 1874 expedition into the Black Hills, which sparked a gold rush and brought settlers to the area. By 1877, Pennington County was fully organized, with boundaries adjusted in 1877 and 1898.
As we celebrate 150 years of community, progress, and resilience, we honor the people and stories that have shaped us. Here's to the next chapter!

Pennington County SDGenWeb is a free genealogical site about the history of the county. We hope you find helpful clues for your research of Pennington County ancestors.

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Please consider contributing your pieces of Pennington County family history. Corrections, updates, and additions to this site are always welcome. Our combined efforts can make this a great site for all who visit! Your submissions are welcome. If you have access to an old family Bible which you would transcribe, old deeds that you would transcribe or abstract, old diaries and letters that you would transcribe or scan, old family photographs that you would scan and submit, or other records, we'd love for you to become a contributor to Pennington County SDGenWeb.

County Coordinator: Rebecca Maloney maloneys7193@gmail.com

State Coordinator: Linda Ziemann

Assistant State Coordinator: Bob Jenkins

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COUNTY FORMATION

Welcome to Pennington County SDGenWeb! Pennington County was formed in 1875 from unorganized land in the Dakota Territory. Its county seat is Rapid City. Marriage records date to 1887. Land records date back to the county's origin. Probate records go back to 1884. It is the home of Mount Rushmore, and many weary travellers have enjoyed the "free ice water" at Wall Drug Store in the eastern part of the county over the years.