The Story
Nemo Township formed in 1877 along Boxelder Creek. In 1898 Homestake established a timber camp there to cut mine timbers, and that year the federal government executed "Case No. 1" — the first timber sale ever conducted under federal forest-reserve regulation, setting a precedent for regulated logging on public land. The town grew to near 500 residents with a hotel, school, and store, served by a narrow-gauge rail spur. After Homestake shifted milling to Spearfish, the population collapsed by the late 1930s. Several 1890s buildings survive, now a guest ranch and pizza pub. Nemo and Vanocker Canyon Roads are among the most popular rally rides.
Surprising Facts
→ The 1898 "Case No. 1" timber sale at Nemo was the first ever conducted under U.S. federal forest-reserve regulation.
→ Homestake needed roughly 8 trainloads of timber and cordwood a day.
→ Several original 1890s buildings still stand, now a guest ranch and pizza pub.