[2] The cabin was built in 1876 by pioneer Rufus 'Pap' Madison using cottonwood found alongside the banks of the nearby Rapid Creek.

For waterproofing and heat preservation, gaps between the logs were stuffed with sticks, moss, grass, and wood chips and then sealed with mud.

[3] The Minnilusa Pioneer's Association donated local artifacts for display in the cabin, thus creating the first history museum in the Black Hills.

[3] The United States Department of the Interior's Sioux Indian Museum shared the site with the Minnilusa Pioneers.

[7] The cabin, which was moved from its location at Halley Park to the Journey Museum, had alterations done to its foundation to make the interior of the building more visible.