By John Andrews

Last summer's trail ride from Fort Pierre to Deadwood was a monumental event, and Sioux Falls filmmaker Bernie Duffy was there to record the whole thing.

After nearly a year's worth of production, Duffy's documentary is done and will be available next week. "A Trail Remembered: 17 Days and 246 Miles on the Fort Pierre-Deadwood Trail" covers the long journey across western South Dakota and includes commentary from many of the riders.

The Fort Pierre to Deadwood Trail was one of the most popular routes for early settlers heading to the Black Hills. After ferrying up the Missouri to Fort Pierre, they would head west through the rugged West River country. As railroads advanced across the country the trail was slowly abandoned. Last year's ride marked the 100th anniversary of the trail's end.

Duffy has posted the first 12 minutes of the program online here. Visit the Verendrye Museum's trail ride page for ordering information.

Photo by Jack Hughes.