"In a few hours during the late afternoon and evening of June 9, 1972, a record rain fell on the Black Hills of South Dakota. A stationary group of thunderstorms over the Central Hills dumped as much as 15 inches of rain in some locations in less than 6 hours. The rains resulted in record-breaking floods on streams draining the eastern slopes of the Black Hills. At least 236 people are known dead and property damage exceeded $100 million in Rapid City and the surrounding recreational areas. The Survey Team tried to determine whether the observation-warning-dissemination system worked as effectively as it could have, and whether the Rapid City flood would have lessons and applications to broader regional and national plans and programs as well"--from the Executive Summary.

Over 50 years have passed since the Black Hills flood swept through western South Dakota in 1972, leaving tragedy in its wake. This book explores the extent of the damage through images that highlight Rapid City, Keystone, and the surrounding Black Hills. Dignitaries, including Sen. George McGovern, visited the Black Hills in the aftermath; these visitors, along with the actions taken for recovery, make an appearance in the story. Today, the Black Hills are a tourist destination, with Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park being the most well-known attractions. Corey Christianson has spent years researching the 1972 Black Hills flood. She was a part of the 50th commemoration of the flood, for which she, along with a team of talented individuals, created an award-winning exhibit about the flood and the recovery of the Black Hills. The images in this book are from the Rapid City Public Library, US Air Force, Keystone Area Historical Society, and other organizations that strive to remember, honor, and commemorate the flood.