The Story
In August 1876, three men from Deadwood — M.D. Rochford, Richard Hughes, and William Van Fleet — were hunting, not prospecting, when they found gold-bearing rock on Montezuma Hill. The town was laid out in May 1878; by that December about 500 lived there permanently with hundreds more in tents, plus two hotels, a theater, and a sawmill. Unusually for a mining camp, it had a reputation for being peaceful. As the ore played out the population collapsed to 48 by 1900. A small community survives today, sustained by the Moonshine Gulch Saloon.
Surprising Facts
→ Rochford was found by accident — three men were hunting, not prospecting.
→ Despite the lawless reputation of nearby Lead and Deadwood, Rochford was known for being peaceful.
→ The Moonshine Gulch Saloon occupies a 1910 building that was also a livery stable, pool hall, and barber shop.