Summer Speaker Series: Joyce Jefferson as Sarah Campbell

One of the Black Hills' most interesting figures, Sarah Campbell is buried in the little community of Galina near Deadwood, South Dakota. Part of the South Dakota Humanities Council Summer Speaker series, Joyce Jefferson portrays Sarah Campbell, who traveled with the General George Armstrong Custer expedition of 1874, as she speaks about life during the Gold Rush.

Most likely born into slavery in Kentucky, Sarah traveled the Missouri River on steam boats for years. She was in Bismarck, Dakota Territory, when Custer was commissioned to survey the Black Hills of Dakota Territory. She signed on as a cook with the expedition. She was known as "Aunt Sally" to both soldiers and miners and all who loved her. And she was reportedly the first woman to file a mining claim: claim number 7, Custer Gulch on Aug 5, 1874.

Joyce Jefferson is well known for her storytelling and interpretation of South Dakota history.  Joyce's lively interpretations include singing, poetry and narration.

Funded project of the South Dakota Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.