Deadwood is an old gold mining town located in the Black Hills of western South Dakota. It’s on Highway 14 near Rapid City and Sturgis. Deadwood was carved out of the Black Hills when gold was discovered in the 1870’s. Virtually overnight tents and wooden buildings dotted the landscape. The gold attracted adventurers such as Wild Bill Hickok, and “Colorado” Charlie Utter.
Wild Bill was murdered in Deadwood at Saloon No. 10. He was shot in the back of the head on August 2, 1876, while playing poker. The chair he died in has been preserved and is on display. Jack McCall, the assassin, was initially released but then later tried and hanged in Yankton, South Dakota. James Butler, “Willd Bill” Hickok is buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, also known as Deadwood’s “Boot Hill.” Next to him lies Martha "Calamity Jane" Burke. Farther up the hill away from the other historic graves is the resting place of Seth Bullock, former Deadwood Sheriff and good friend of Teddy Roosevelt.
A fire in 1879 burned down the wood town of Deadwood. It was rebuilt with brick, and many of those buildings are standing today. Deadwood is well known for its casinos, and is a popular stop for those visiting Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
For more information please visit: Deadwood.
Comments