Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower

An Everlasting Friendship

The famous Deadwood Sheriff, Seth Bullock, built the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower in 1919 (see original plans) as a dedication to President Theodore Roosevelt, his close friend of many years. Bullock wanted to create a memorial of his friend’s life and a place where people could view wide open spaces that both Bullock and Roosevelt had become so fond of during their lives.

Bullock was Deadwood’s first sheriff, founded the town of Belle Fourche, and was a U.S. Marshal for South Dakota. He was also an early Forest Supervisor on the Black Hills National Forest, appointed to the task by President Roosevelt. Bullock would help establish Wind Cave National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, and the D.C. Booth National Fish Hatchery. President Teddy Roosevelt was known as the “Conservationist President,” because of his vision for protecting public lands, wildlife, and natural resources. Together, these two historical figures played a major role in the conservation movement of the Black Hills.

In 1919, the Society of Black Hills Pioneers provided financial support to build the Tower and in 1966, the Society donated the Tower to the United States Forest Service. In 2005, the Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Tower Projects

Mount Roosevelt, also called the Friendship Tower, underwent stabilization in 2010 to reinforce the base and restore the monument for public use. North Zone Engineers worked with Boxelder Job Corps students and a stone mason specializing in historical restoration to restore and repair the original rock masonry of the Tower. The restoration work on the Tower was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, the Black Hills Parks and Forest Association, and the Black Hills National Forest have all contributed to the restoration of the Tower as well.

Many other projects have been done over the years as well. 

In 2017, the Black Hills National Forest held an outdoor education and workday at Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower for approximately 35 Black Hills Girl Scouts.

At the Tower, Girl Scouts worked with and were mentored by women from the Black Hills National Forest. Projects included staining/painting the observation platform & outhouse, cleaning up the area and collecting/stacking brush, limbs, sticks and branches for later disposal.

Black Hills National Forest women also gave outdoor education presentations to the girls on forest recreation, pre-historical/historical cultural significances of the tower and area, geology, hydrology, forestry and the Student Conservation Association/Americorps/fire program.

100 Year Dedication

The Forest celebrated the Tower’s 100th rededication on July 6, 2019. A celebration closely emulated the original dedication that was held 100 years ago on July 4, 1919. (See the 1919 Program and the 2019 Program)

Take a Virtual Tour

Travel back in time to the era of Theodore Roosevelt & Seth Bullock. (May 2012)

Watch Now

Exploring the Tower

The trail to the tower is approx. 1 mile round trip. Next to the parking area is the Mount Roosevelt Picnic Area which has five picnic sites.

Kids in Parks ~ Track Trails Adventure

Visit the Mount Roosevelt Kids in Parks - TRACK Trail webpage for a fun & interactive family adventure!

Track Adventure