VALENTINE MCGILLYCUDDY
Born of Irish immigrants in Racine, Wis., on Valentine's Day, Feb 14, 1849, McGillycuddy's nearly 90-years of adventure and accomplishments include: doctor, educator, explorer, topographer, surgeon, government agent, Indian advocate, bank president and politician.
He was surgeon and topographer for the International 49th Parallel Expedition of the U.S. and Canada border; topographer and surgeon on the Jenney-Newton Black Hills survey and the first non-native to reach the summit of Harney Peak, now known as Black Elk Peak. he was field surgeon under Gen. George Crook in the Battle of the Rosebud, Battle of Slim Buttes and the forced "horsemeat" march to the Black Hills. He was assistant post surgeon at Camp Robinson.
McGillycuddy moved his family into the house he built in Rapid City in 1887 and through the 90s served as Rapid City mayor, dean of the School of Mines, and president of the regional Lakota Bank and Investment Co. He was also elected to the state Constitutional Convention and appointed South Dakota Surgeon General.
When McGillycuddy died in 1939, his ashes were placed atop Black Elk Peak in memory of his role in the history of the Black Hills.
The property, located at 727 South Street, has been recently purchased by Historic Rapid City in an effort to save this historic landmark. The house has seen a variety of renovations through the years, and was converted in the 1940s to a bungalow style. As a historically contributing structure to the West Boulevard Historic District, the house will require significant restoration to be brought back to its original grandeur. Historic Rapid City is seeking donations to help save this unique piece of our history.