The Story
Terry grew on the slopes of Terry Peak in the early 1890s around mines like the Golden Reward. A post office opened in 1892, and a railroad spur served the mines until 1918. At its peak (1900-1910) it had nearly 1,200 residents. Martha Jane "Calamity Jane" Cannary died here on August 1, 1903, of pneumonia, at age 51. Terry's post office closed in 1929, and its townsite was later consumed by open-pit mining.
Surprising Facts
→ Calamity Jane died in Terry in 1903 — not in nearby Deadwood, where she's more often associated.
→ At its peak Terry had nearly 1,200 residents.
→ The town's original site was eventually mined away entirely by open-pit operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Terry (mining town)?
Terry (mining town) is at Terry Peak area (Terry townsite), Lead, SD. Explore it on the When It Was interactive map.
How old is Terry (mining town)?
Terry (mining town) dates to 1887 and its story runs to 1929 — a span of 42 years.
Is Terry (mining town) still standing?
No — the original Terry (mining town) no longer stands, but its history is preserved here and mapped at its original location in Lead, SD.