Hey thanks for watching ! I hope you really love this one! It was pretty stressful at times haha. Let me know what you think.

As a land surveyor I come across this sort of thing often. Once I do, boom there goes the rest of my day and then no work gets done. Glad there are channels like yours. I enjoy this kind of exploring.

It was the school teachers husband that shot Mr Shepard...I love to find the back story on these things and this is what i found. Link below which give more detail and news paper article/photos/family tree etc etc..... On the outskirts of the abandoned mining town of Spokane lies the grave of James Fernando Shepard, born in 1850 and died 58 years later. His tombstone tragically reads “murdered over a mining claim.” This prospector’s eerie fate was not unheard of for miners. In a forested area just a few miles outside of Custer State Park are the remnants of the old mining town, which includes a school house, homes, old cars, wells so deep you can’t see the bottom, a root cellar and a grave. The rumors of gold in the Black Hills were confirmed during Custer’s Expedition in 1874. The gold rush began later that year when word of Custer’s findings reached the press. Illegal prospectors flocked to the Hills. The settlers grouped together and hundreds of towns popped up - many of which would later become ghost towns. The Black Hills had been promised to the Lakota people with the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie, but settlers were too busy trying to carve out their piece of the pie to worry about any laws or treaties. The Spokane Mine was discovered in 1889 by Sylvester Judd more or less by accident. As the story goes, he had placed a rock (likely galena or cerussite) from the outcrop on his wooden stove. He was amazed when he found molten lead coming from the mineral. The town was formed the same year the mine began operations, in 1890. The Spokane Mine produced silver, galena, beryl, copper, mica, hematite, graphite and zinc. The town and mine were profitable. In 1927, the town’s profits reached their peak at $144,742. The murder of James Shepard, or Jim as he was know to family and friends in Spokane, rocked the community. A local man named Frank Cox had not kept up assessment work on the Spokane Mine, which he himself had “jumped” when it had been neglected by someone else. Jim had enough, and claimed the mine as his own on on June 21, 1908, when he drove his stake at the site. Frank’s wife, the Sunday school teacher, observed this while riding to the schoolhouse and informed her husband. That evening, Jim rode his horse to bring his free-roaming milk cow back to the house. According to his account, when he had his guard down, Frank and his son Henry stepped out from behind some trees. Frank yelled, “You son-of-a-bitch, you have driven your last stake!” and shot Jim with a shotgun. He was able to ride home, where his wife, Jessie, frantically helped him into bed and rode for help. Then-12-year-old Edgar H. Hoffman remembered the night vividly. “Mrs. Shepard arrived at our house, uttering the words ‘Jim is shot’. Those words have echoed through my mind for half a century. Mrs. Shepard was a tall, dark mountain woman. Her clothes and the saddle were soaked and spotted with blood,” he wrote. A neighbor rode to the nearest doctor, who was 17 miles away in Custer. The night was storming heavily, with pouring rain and the scenery illuminated only by lightning flashes. The next morning, the doctor and sheriff arrived to hear Jim’s last words that incriminated Frank and Henry. The town was shaken by the murder. At Jim’s funeral, the crowd was described as “angry and hostile.” “In order to prevent violence, the minister had the congregation point the finger of guilt at whoever they felt had committed the murder. Everyone pointed the finger at the Cox house. From then on, the Coxes were ostracized by the Spokane community and they sent their son away to relatives,” wrote Inez Shepard Shafer. At the later trial of the two men, the evidence was considered unsatisfactory and they were freed. In July 10, 1909, the Keystone Record stated that the trial was “one of the longest and hardest fought preliminary hearings ever held in Custer County. It was thought at first by friends of Cox that he would have no trouble in proving an alibi, as he was at the Ideal [mine] all day Sunday and slept there that night. This is true, but there was about an hour and a half in the evening he was unable to account for, and about the time the shooting was supposed to have taken place. It is unfortunate for all concerned, and if Cox proves his innocence, and many believe he will, the chances are we will never know who killed James Shepard.” Unfortunately, the profits did not last forever. The mine dried up and was closed in the 1940s. Several companies tried to revive it in the following decade, but nothing panned out. The town was gradually abandoned. The schoolhouse is still standing. Inside, several layers of wallpaper in pastels and floral designs are peeling at different rates. Boards from the upper level and walls have fallen to the floor. Cars were also left in Spokane, where they are now just skeletons. If they were in a decent condition, the collection would be worth a small fortune. But weeds are sprouting through the floor, and they are covered in graffiti. The concrete root cellar is near the treeline and still has rows of storage shelves. It is dark inside, and the back wall has some spooky satanic graffiti. Walking through the overgrown field in the middle of the town, there are several partially covered wells that would be easy to fall into, or at least injure a leg. The most intact structure is the manager’s house. It has several rooms, a somewhat intact stove, upstairs rooms, and a cellar. This building was likely abandoned last in the later part of the 20th century. A geocache can be found near here. The remnants of the forgotten town can be found near Custer State Park’s northern border off of Forest Service Road 330. There are no markers, just a small gravel area for parking next to the gated path. A sign near the trail says that horse and foot traffic is allowed. Petras Tutinas is a Rapid City resident who has explored over 80 mines and abandoned towns in the area. He occasionally records videos of his explorations for his KZfaq channel, "RealWoodsmen." Tutinas has been to Spokane a dozen times, whether to clear timber or hang out with friends. “To anyone wishing to explore Spokane, I'd really recommend getting higher up on a mountainside to take in the view. It's situated in a really pretty area, and it can be seen quite well from higher up. You'll want to watch out for metal, boards, and nails if you step off the main path. In addition, there are some test pits that you could fall into and an old well or two. All are easy to spot, but still be on your guard if you go off the path,” Tutinas warned. He particularly enjoys exploring Spokane because it gives a look into the lives of prospectors. “These towns are a piece of history that is fading away day by day. They tell a story of a way of life that just doesn't exist anymore; how mining was king and how a town could appear overnight at the hint of a lucky strike. The architecture was different, and the people's use and re-use of old tin, cyanide lids, and other mining waste is a tribute to the ingenuity and nose to the grindstone attitude that people had to have to survive back then,” said Tutinas. “There’s still a lot of history left at Spokane, so let’s leave something for the next generation to look upon with wonder and intrigue.” As it has for the better part of a century, this little piece of Black Hills history sits quietly in the forest, slowing decaying with flowers sprouting through the floorboards. Every year, the building further show their age. One of the homes has recently collapsed and in the coming years, it is likely that more will.

For those who don't know, don't step in the center of the stairs. There may not be a brace underneath, so walk on either side of the steps, where the bracing is hopefully still there. Probably would be a good idea to bring along a drone that can fly up and check things out

You can see that those cars were stripped a bit for parts and souvenirs- the hoods, doors, hood emblems, etc- they all fetch some cash as decor pieces, or for restoration parts.

Always leave a penny on the headstone of a grave, it tells the family or anyone that cares you visited

Please NEVER go out there alone. Always have a friend who also has a set of keys to the vehicle you drive. I had two classmates in Colorado in the 1950s who went snooping around an old mine and ghost town in the mountains. One of the guys went down an old ladder into the mine shaft, the ladder broke, and he fell 120 feet to his death. He had the car keys in his pocket, so my other classmate, who was devastated, had to walk many miles to find help. You just never know. Always be prepared.

I find it very sad to see the houses rotting like that. Someones pride and joy once.

6:58 is a root cellar used for storing root vegtables and other goods. The building next to the well probably was a spring house- used to keep milk and stuff cold.

There was a deer hunting stand around where . the horses came up. It's hunting season in some states. You might want to put a orange vest on when you go walking in the woods for safety :-) stay safe.

Hi, South Dakotan here. Spokane is actually a pretty popular spot, one of the more visited abandoned sites to visit in the Black Hills. As for the "No roads" bit, there is a dirt road that leads right past the first building he entered. It is overgrown but most definitely a road. You can actually see it at around the 5:50 mark. It's also right next to a couple properties that people still inhabit, and less than a mile north of a campground. Definitely not "middle of nowhere" but you can sure feel that way after parking along the highway and walking there.

You got some balls going into that first building geez

Personally I would have had a friend with me at least

Dude, you are the most dedicated person!!!! For you to risk personal harm to show a bunch of people sitting on the couch at home 100 year old wood on the second floor….. That’s why your channel KICKS ASS!!!!! Be safe, and THANK YOU for what you do!!!!

He is so dramatic & cute. Love when he says “Please don’t give way” and “Ohhhhh.” Gotta love it. 😁

Nothing like being at home sick and coming across your channel. Talk about binge watching!!! So envious of the places you get to see. Great content 👍🏼.

First car is a 1953 Chevrolet sedan, either a Bel Air or a 210, and the second is 1954 Ford club coupe. Probably a Mainline model.

Those people who were riding on horses must hunt that property. When you noticed them I saw a tree stand in the tree behind you. Thanks for posting this video.

I felt like I held my breath through the whole 15 minutes. 😓😧 there's spirits out in those old mining places. If those trees could talk.

Should hit that area with a metal detector. You might find something really cool.

11:45 that stove paint job still look so pristine! Things back in the day are just so well made compared to what we have quality-wise, not talking about the tech tho

Those flies make me think there was something dead nearby. They had to be eating and breeding on something. Be careful going in those buildings. You might end up being one of those missing persons they don't find for decades.

That grave looks so intact it must be an updated headstone from their family

You should seriously consider carrying a sidearm. Just for protection.

That is so crazy! I have lived in this state most of my life and in the Black Hills for over 20 years and have never heard of nor read of Spokane, South Dakota. We have several ghost towns and abandoned mines in this area but this one somehow has not shown up in searches nor any readings I've found. Now that I have heard of it I will be doing more in depth research on it so I can find it too. The flies there are called "Swarm Flies", they are particularly bad in late summer and through the fall. No matter how tight your house may be built they still find a way in and you have to vacuum out your window and door sills inside your house daily.

When I was a kid we were walking through an old abandoned golf range, got to the edge and went into the woods about 20 yards and there was randomly 10 or so graves all from the Revolutionary war period. Odd the things you'll randomly find places.

I hope that since you go out alone that you at least let someone know the general area you will be in. And that you take something to protect yourself.

Born yesterday. Have you ever done any urban exploration? Been out in the woods? Seen people on horseback while you were hiking? When you woke up this morning...for the 1st time. Yes, exploring old buildings is crazy.

The horse part creeped me out. I've never heard you curse before, LOL!

I did a lot of the same thing you're doing around the area I live. I never filmed it, but I took a lot of pictures of the abandoned places I was at. I'm glad I have those photos because a lot of those places have been destroyed. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

Dude, there are several things I think you.miss each time you explore. 1. You should get a small drone. It would help you survey the area and find other areas you might otherwise miss and it would add some great aerial shots! 2. Why not get a high end metal detector and bring it along, you never know when you just might unearth some lost valuable treasure or lost rare jewelry from many decades ago! This would yet add to the exploration! 3. Finally, do some research and provide background for your explore! Not too many people do this. Yes it may take more time but it will put you ahead of others in the same category! Otherwise, really great work!

What are the odds that I would watch this video on June 21st, the same day that Fernando died 110 years later......

That was a great video. Thanks for giving us an opportunity to tag along on your adventures.

That old stove was REALLY cool. I wish I could restore it

Just the thought of school kids arriving there for classes and then returning home is just so surreal.

I know where that's at. I grew up in the Black Hills, Rapid City and Sturgis specifically.

It's weird seeing buildings that used lath and plaster instead of drywall. My house is old enough to have the leftovers of the lath and plaster, though in some areas most of the plaster is gone now.

I had never seen these deleted scenes from The Blair Witch Project, but they should have left them in... they're better the rest of that movie.

Love this, nothing better than exploring old historic locations while imagining what once was. Lots of awesome ghost towns and abandoned places in Nevada. Keep up the great work. - Rob.

A year later and we're still watching. Hoping you're safe. Really beautiful area.

Be careful man!! You 'll end up one day in the house of Three finger, Saw Tooth and One Eye!!

great video bud!!! its cool you got to film inside that school, i cant imagine it standing much longer. stay safe getting those shots

In the days before sheetrock, the walls were built with slats... You find the neatest places! Thx to you I get to be an armchair explorer!

Another great find! I love that you appreciate the simple beauty of old wooden stairs.

I Bet its Scary as Hell at Night

My new favorite channel sending 🙏❤ from New Zealand 6 days of out lockdown stay safe...m.

Just stopped by here yesterday. Last time I went was 2020. Had remembered you went here. First house is actually the caretakers house. The school house is a little further down the path, collapsed chalkboard still on the wall under the rubble. The 2nd house is the superintendents house of the mine and if you were to go straight from the front of it would be where the mill was and a shaft opening which that's all been filled in by the forest service many years ago I have a map of the town there's a little more if you would've went left at the fork going to the 2nd house. It's national forest land so no need to hide lol its public. Also seeing people on horses is common, especially when there's a horse camp next to the town. There's so many more places out here for sure!

I Love Your Dedication For Bringing Us Viewers The Content That You Do....Thanks

Three people on horses and you out there by yourself, I immediately thought of "Deliverance." Paddle Faster.

Have anyone one of these explorers encountered a squatter camping out in the old structures?!? 😱

I love videos like this one. Awesome video, thank you for sharing.

Dude i got chills, this is so neat! Thank you!!

I got scared at 4:52 thinking that was someone else when he turned the camera around.

You're livin' the dream kid, good for you! Have you heard about the abandoned town of Centralia Penn.? That might be an interesting way to spend the day. It's had an underground fire burning since 1962. Everybody but a small handful of people moved out years ago. The movie Silent Hill was based on it.

That last house was in surprisingly good condition.

That old building with the plastered wall was a warm building in it's heyday.

The old mom in me is saying that you need to NEVER GO EXPLORING ALONE! TOO DAMNED DANGEROUS!!!😡 The vid watcher in me is saying interesting/good vid, kiddo!!!😊👍

I have been watching your videos, very well done! Like the locations ,professionalism, Excellent! Keep up the good work!

I like the latches on the door frame of the first house upstairs. At one time somebody used to lock that room from the outside. I have come across a lot of that in old abandoned houses

I just love going into old houses

Awesome!!!!!!!!!

You never want to put your outhouse too close to your well - ha! Seriously though man, be sure to check to see if you have cell service before doing anything too crazy.

Nice Location ! Thnx,for the Upload and Sharing.👍

Most impressive workmanship in the construction of the house.

That was awesome!

G'day mate Thank you for your videos I only found your channel last week and I'm glad I did Cheers from the land down under

New sub. I've just watched a few of your videos. I like seeing all the old forgotten places like these. Nice man, nice.

Dude ur brave no joke,it’s amazing how u found it I so love those adventures Stay safe !

Those cars were most likely from the early 50's. The first one was probably a Chevy based on the outline of the hood ornament. It also may have been a stock car racer at one time judging by the engine call out numbers on the driver front fender.

I was scared for you the whole time watching this!! How I would have loved to be there with you. Great video

Wow! What an exploration! That was freaky indeed!!! Thank u for taking us along!!! Great video! I had to subscribe! 😊

I'm so glad I discovered this channel, thanks for all the exporation videos! Currently in lockdown in Sydney, Australia and this is the next best thing to getting out and exploring myself haha

I found a single civil war grave in the middle of the woods once.

“Think of your worst nightmares” that’s when leather face pops out!!

No matter how creepy it gets, just remember your in South Dakota. Where everyone’s friendly and always willing to lend a hand.😀

Thanks for taking chances for us to investigate with you! 👍👍👍😁😁😁

Stop going up stairs you're affecting my blood pressure! Lol

You found the mine with the entrance collapsed

I'm really enjoying your videos. I stopped rural & urban exploring several years ago, but love seeing other peoples adventures. This one really is similar to my times. Alone, quietly exploring and taking photos, worrying about stairs and floors collapsing. Biggest concern was getting shot, or coming across real assholes looking to make trouble far from public view. I had no cell phone, just my Canadian manners and humor. Get as many of these places as you can. I find that many of the places I went to have been demolished now, so I'm glad I took so many photos !

What an incredible place! This is my first time watching you and I am certainly impressed! I am subscribing for sure.

Dude, why in the world are alone. The golden rule “never be alone”, safety in 2’s.......

"This place is infested with hornets" 5 seconds later "Alright, let's go inside"

Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

Another Amazing Explore/Video!! Your attention to detail, and Stillness with the camera (Especially given the Circumstances) are Amazing!! I put you right up there with the Top Urban explorers out today!! Keep up the Great Work!!

Pretty clear that some of those buildings has knob and tube wiring..so 20's 30s 40s..and the cars were early 50s.. If you are scared go with a friend or pack some heat.

Cool! It's nice to see a young person interested in history and old stuff. Those cars were probably for an old demo derby. The glass was all gone and it look like it had been modified. The name on the outside also. They've probably been there since they put them there after the demo. Maybe? Please stay safe, you do so many incredible things.

The little house was probably a spring house. Where they kept food. Near an old spring or well in this case. Great work!

This is one of your better ones. Scary too! Love it!

I was one of the people on horses

I looked up James Fernando Shepherd and found a link on google to a Elks resort or something and they have horse back riding through the area. And even a picture of the area.

I came across one of your videos a few days ago. New subscriber. I'm looking forward to watch them all.

No abandoned stuff like that where I live, it all gets pulled down pretty quickly. However I did stumble upon a small cemetery in the woods once. All nuns, which although there was a convent school nearby so the land must have belonged to them, it was still unexpected & freaky.

did anyone else see the dark figure on the hill at 7:50 as he is coming out of the concrete structure that may have been a root cellar

Also.hon....you should wear a mask because in these old homes they used lead based paints. Please wear a mask!

This is so cool!!!! Amazing explore

That homestead at 11:11 - I love it. I would purchase a bit of land here and rebuild that whole house.

OMG 😯 Your brave going upstairs in that school

There is no telling how old that place is most old homes had a basement for storing food amazing video no one I know enclosed their hand pump people use to always bury their own dead and those flys are called horse flys they do bite they must let cattle and horses roam the woods you need to get you a mask

Fernando was only 18 but back in 1908 and 18 year old was a fully grown ass man! I bet he was not gonna give up that mining claim.

I started to love this channel because i love abandoned places it is very stunning 😍