The area was first called Elkhorn Prairie by General George A. Cluster before its name was changed to Silver City. The city was established because of mining activities in the area during the operation days. Silver Town would later be abandoned and the Pactola Dam constructed at the townsite.

History of Silver City

The town was established by General George A. Cluster when he moved to the hills in 1874 after discovering minerals in the area. The town was called Silver city since silver metal was the mineral that dominated the site (only silver metal was exploited). George established a campground and the mining activities started immediately. Apart from the buildings in the camps ground, cabins for renting, a school, and a church were also built. The city of Silver boomed and its growth rose as the miners kept on relocating into this town. There was a further increase in population when a settlement scheme was introduced in the town in 1876.  Over the years, it was business as usual by the mines until a directive was sent by the government for the residents to relocate. The relocation was enacted to create room for the construction of the Pactola Dam. This relocation led to the rise of Volksmarch town when some of the residents relocated to the region from Silver City. Miner's campgrounds and the buildings in the town were all deserted by the residents after the downfall of the town. Silver city boomtown was located on the Black Hills and Western Railroad. 

The current state of the town?

Today, the town is today a resort with a church, camping grounds, and rental cabins. A fishing ground was established in the Rapid Greek for those fishing enthusiasts who may want to visit the historic place. A community center was also established in the old schoolhouse. The rest of the buildings which were unsalvageable were demolished by the state of South Dakota to prevent injuries if they would collapse. Apart from the old schoolhouse which has been turned into a community center, some of the other structures like the church are on the list of restoration. Several investors in conjunction with the local government want to turn the old townsite into a modern habitable community for the locals. Though it is not going to be a walk in the park, they are willing to give it a try.  The town site is open to the general public for visits. The former mines that were left unattended have remnants of toxic chemicals that can result in poisoning or even death. Despite that, one can easily fall in the deep pits which may also cause injuries.