Wild West in pictures by John Grabil

Between 1887 and 1892, the famous photographer John Grabeel sent 188 photographs to the Library of Congress in Washington. Today, this collection is considered the very first collection of photographs taken in the US border area. With surprising realism, these sepia-tinged black-and-white images show the past life of the American Wild West. 

Most of Robil's work was done at the Deadwood County Center in South Dakota. His camera captured everything: the construction of the railroad, the life of shepherds, hunters, miners, Indians, the plains of the Wild West and the people living there.

1. The appearance of the largest swimming pool in the United States. Hot Springs, South Dakota. The picture was taken in 1891. 

2. Tipi of the Lakota Indians, one of the largest tribes of the Sioux group. In the foreground is a horse watering hole at White Clay Creek. The picture was taken in 1891. 

3. Oxen and wagons on the main street of Sturgis, South Dakota. The picture was taken between 1887 and 1892. 

4. Wagons and bull sleds in the field. The picture was taken in 1890.

5. Cargo transportation in Black Hills. The picture was taken in 1891.

6. Cargo transportation in Black Hills. A woman and a boy, with the help of several tramps, are guarding a team of oxen. The picture was taken between 1887 and 1892. 

7. Oglala Indian camp near the public school building in Pine Ridge. The picture was taken in 1891.

8. A large Lakota Indian camp on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The picture was taken in 1891.

9. The Indians gathered for a tribal council. The picture was taken on a reservation in Pine Ridge in 1891.

10. Portrait of famous Oglala Indian chiefs. Red Cloud (wearing a traditional feather headdress) shakes hands with his son-in-law, an American Horse (wearing European clothing and carrying a holster). In 1866-1868, Red Cloud fought a war that resulted in a peace treaty on terms that were acceptable enough for the Indians. The picture was taken on the Pine Ridge Reservation in 1891. 

11. A large Lakota Indian camp on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The picture was taken in 1891. 

12. Studio photo of one of the leaders of the Oglala tribe named Little (Little). Little was the organizer of the Pine Ridge Indian Rebellion. The picture was taken in 1890. 

13. General Miles and his soldiers look at a large Indian camp. The picture was taken in 1891. 

14. American cavalry in Pine Ridge after the retreat of the rebel Indians. 

15. The parade during the celebration in Deadwood, dedicated to the completion of the construction of the railway. 

16. View of the village of miners and sawmill workers working in the Great Homestake company. The picture was taken in 1889. 

17. Colorado. Signage on buildings: "Photography", "Mining Exchange", "Rental and paid stable". The picture was taken in 1888. 

18. Galena is a small town in the hills of South Dakota. The picture was taken in 1890.

19. The interior of the largest bathhouse in the United States at that time. Hot Springs, South Dakota. Next to the pool are bathers and spectators. The picture was taken in 1891. 

20. The famous Deadwood mail coach. The horse-drawn carriage made regular trips on the dangerous roads in the black hills until the railway was laid. The picture was taken in 1889.