Rochford
Rochford, SD is a small community in Pennington county founded in 1878. It consists of a saloon, a school, a church, a small store, a dance hall, and a community hall. The sign on the store stated population of 8, but the the town is an unincorporated community not tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. At one time this thriving town had over 500 residents, but by the 1900s the town died down and had only 50 residents. Rochford started to build after 1878 when gold was discovered near the creek, and once the mine and mill were closed, the town began to decline. The town is next to the Mickelson Trail and is just a neat little area and place to visit. During the summer it can be busy, but during the winter due to the remoteness, you will see very few visitors.
Coming into Rochford from the east. Volunteer fire department in the background.
Rochford Church.
A pretty neat bar to visit - Moonshine Gulch Saloon.
Irish Gulch Dance Hall.
Only store in town.
Mickelson Trailhead just around the corner.
One of the bridges on the Mickelson Trail just east of Rochford.
Rochford Community Hall.
Not a school, but a University.
Administration building??
Coming into town from the west.
Bell Park/Rochford Cemetery just outside of town.
Inside the Moonshine Gulch Saloon - decor has now changed a bit with dollar bills on the ceiling.
Can do a section of the Mickelson Trail here.
