The Land Office Decides

On July 28, 1899 The Rapid City Journal reported: The commissioner of the general land office at Washington has handed down his decision in the case of South Dakota Mining Co. vs. Jesse D. McDonald. This is the long drawn out contest that has been frequently referred to as the “Wind Cave case.”

The commissioner’s decision sustains that the land is not mineral but orders that the homestead entry of McDonald be cancelled, holding that he had not shown good faith in his occupancy of his homestead. He also holds that the ground is not mineral and is not subject to entry as such. He recommends that the cave be reserved by the government as a public resort.

Both parties to the suit are somewhat surprised at the outcome and will appeal to the secretary of the interior.

Uncle John Stabler says this is favorable to them anyway, because the local land office decided against them and in favor of McDonald.

Signatures in the Cave

Scene Near Cave Entrance

John Stabler
J.D. McDonald

Boxwork

Early History of Wind Cave National Park

• The Winds of Wind Cave
• Early Explorations
• The McDonalds Arrive
• Exploring with Alvin
• The Wonderful Wind Cave Improvement Company
• Visiting the Cave
• Publicizing the Cave
• Who Owns the Cave?
• The Feud
• More Court Battles and More Decisions
• A Decision is Made
• A National Park is Created