Althought the word galena is synomous with lead ore, the town Galena was a silver mining town. It had its boom sometime during the Black Hills gold rush era. In 1902, the railroad finally came through. But the railroad line was abandoned ten years later in 1912. The town started to sink into obscurity. Galena still has a few residents and some old buildings includins a schoolhouse.
To get to Galena, take Highway 385 south out of Deadwood for about 7 miles. Turn east on Strawberry Hill Road, then go 2 miles to Galena. The road has a sign that says Galena and Sturgis.
The town of Spokane was started in 1890, with mining operations in the area. The mines produced gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper. The mill is still standing and several other miner's cabins are there but have fallen down. Also, standing are a schoolhouse and a water tower.
The area is under control of the National park system, but you can get in on foot and check it out. To get to Spokane you can start in Keystone, SD. Drive east to the town of Harney, then south 4 miles.