From the grandiose vision of a development company in the 1890’s, to a recreation destination in the Roaring 20’s, to a source of desperately needed jobs during the Great Depression, Canyon Lake was an important part of Rapid City’s early years. Its history is tied to the shifting fortunes of several prominent people who helped shape the city, including Dr. Robert J. Jackson. This presentation covers the Canyon Lake story from the building of the first dam in 1891 through the lake’s restoration in the 1950’s.
About Kathleen:
Kathleen Christopherson is a writer and editor who is intrigued by history and addicted to looking stuff up. A native South Dakotan who grew up in Tripp County, she graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University with a degree in English, art, and history. She is the author of Once Upon a Different Story and co-author of Conscious Finance. Kathleen has lived in Rapid City since 1986. Her grown children think she doesn’t know how often they slid down the spillway at Canyon Lake.