GILLETTE, Wyo. — Author and Western historian Mark Lee Gardner will present his latest book in an event at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Campbell County Rockpile Museum, 900 W. 2nd St., Gillette.
“The Earth is All That Lasts: Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and the Last Stand of the Great Sioux Nation” tells the stories of these leaders who struggled to maintain the freedom of their people against impossible odds, according to a museum news release. Gardner will sign books after his presentation.
True West Magazine named “The Earth is All That Lasts” the best nonfiction book of 2023, according to Gardner’s website. He has received two Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America, which also named “The Earth is All That Lasts” a finalist for its Best Western Historical Nonfiction award.
Gardner has written several books, including “To Hell on a Fast Horse: The Untold Story of Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett,” “Shot All To Hell: Jesse James, the Northfield Raid, and the Wild West’s Greatest Escape” and “Rough Riders: Theodore Roosevelt, His Cowboy Regiment, and the Immortal Charge Up San Juan Hill,” the museum’s release said. Gardner has appeared on PBS’s “American Experience” and on the History Channel, AMC, the Travel Channel and NPR. He has written for National Geographic History, American Heritage, the Los Angeles Times, True West and American Cowboy. He has a master’s degree in American studies from the University of Wyoming and lives near Pikes Peak in Colorado.
“We are excited to host Mr. Gardner to share his book and his research,” Museum Director Robert Henning said.
The Leland D. Case Library for Western Historical Studies and Black Hills State University helped bring Gardner to the region, according to Henning.
The event is free. Donations are accepted. To learn more about the museum, visit www.rockpilemuseum.com or call 307-682-5723.
Campbell County Rockpile Museum had to cancel this year’s archaeology fair because it won’t have the staffing necessary to run it, Director Robert Henning said in August.
The museum board’s next meeting is Sept. 19. To see the agenda and other county board agendas, click here.
