The 1881 Courthouse Museum was built in Custer, South Dakota. The building was originally used as a center for the government of Custer County, and a courthouse between the years of 1881 to 1974. After ninety-three years of serving as a medial for community activities, and church services, the building was given to the Custer County Historical Society in 1973. After which, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S Department of Interior in November 1973. The 1881 Custer County Courthouse museum was opened on September 6, 1976, by the Custer Country Historical Society.