General Info
Lawrence County was organized in 1877 and named in honor of its first county treasurer, Colonel John Lawrence. Although Lawrence County was one of the smallest counties in South Dakota, it included half the population and wealth of the Black Hills, estimated at 18,000 people and 11 million dollars in 1903. Settlers arrived in search of gold and communities were established near stage coach stops and rail lines. With the gold rush, Lawrence County was booming. As the gold rush ended, development slowed. Deadwood was voted as the county seat and was home to several historical figures including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. At one point, Deadwood was the largest city in South Dakota. Today Lawrence County is home to approximately 23,498 residents.
