"Pioneer Days in the Black Hills is a rough-and-tumble account of the early days of Deadwood, Dakota Territory. In 1874, after leading an expedition into the Black Hills, George Armstrong Custer announced that he had found gold "among the roots of the grass."".

"In April 1876, John S. McClintock arrived in search of gold. Entering a series of speculations and employments that won him moderate prosperity, he made Deadwood his home. During his later years, he wrote his memoirs, presented here for the first time in half a century.".

"McClintock provides material on the gold rush, skirmishes with Indians, the exploits of road agents and outlaws, and appearances by celebrities such as Wild Bill Hickok (killed in Deadwood), Calamity Jane, and Deadwood Dick (four of them). He describes the real-life exploits of such legendary characters as "Black Dan," "Madame Mustache," "Buckskin Johnny," and "Big Thumb Jake."" "Wayne R. Kime's new foreword sets McClintock's story within the history of Deadwood and the Black Hills."--BOOK JACKET.