PIERRE - A 225-mile wagon-train ride is planned for next summer to mark the 100th anniversary of the closing of the Fort Pierre-Deadwood Trail.

The event is being organized by the Verendrye Museum in Fort Pierre. Organizers believe as many as 60 wagons and 100 riders on horseback will take part in the 17-day ride, which starts in late July at Fort Pierre.

Wagon master Gerald Kessler said the ride will follow the original trail as much as possible.

It was first used by American Indians, then by fur trappers, the cavalry, those seeking to find gold in the Black Hills and, finally, settlers.

It was discontinued in 1908 because many of the settlers had fenced their land.