RAPID CITY, SD — Founded 150 years ago, Rapid City has gone from a town founded by ambitious men to the gateway to a scenic area viewed by millions every year. The land that we live on is old, and many of us are still newcomers to it, however in that short time all of us have known trial and tribulation as much as triumph. For some of us, greatness, justice, and prosperity lie firmly in the past, and to others it is yet to come.

All that we feel now however, we felt at the least as acutely in 1976, when Rapid City handed a time capsule bearing what was important to them to the ravages of time in the hope that future generations may see it. 

In 2026, the capsule was unearthed from its resting place at the Milo Barber Transportation Center before an audience which overflowed the city council chamber where its contents were unveiled by Mayor Jason Salamun. Among the gathered were elders and youth, punks and police, liberals and conservatives, and everyone in-between. 

The box, which appeared to be made of some copper, or copper-alloy contained a color videotape from KOTA, the 4th of July edition of the Rapid City Journal, an Ellsworth AFB Directory, several medals, and what appeared to be a wrapped stone specimen from the school of Mines & Technology.

Though badly worn and damaged by years of snow and rainfall, the relics of a time long-gone still resonated with many, who came to look at the items. The assortment was especially popular with gathered kids, who spent the entirety of the (somewhat labored) opening and presentation surrounding the table in audible excitement.

Another time capsule, also set to be opened in 50 years, is set to be buried in May. Its contents are undecided at this time and city hall encourages public comment on its potential contents.