Destination Deadwood Spring-Summer 2023

Destination Deadwood® magazine started publication with the onset of legalized gaming in November 1989. This magazine is owned and produced by the oldest continuously operating business in Western Dakota Territory – the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper, which first published on June 8, 1876.

Dying To Know More About Deadwood’s Historic Cemeteries

Deadwood Welcomes Repair Of One Trail, Eying Building Another

Local Man Keeps Days of ‘76 Wagons Rolling

Deadwood’s National Historic Landmark Designation Schedule of Events

Deadwood’s Guilty Pleasures

Sip Your Way Through Deadwood

Saying I Do in Deadwood

Mickelson Trail Map

Agencies Band Together to Bolster Custer Peak Lookout Tower

$1.5B Wagered in Deadwood

Attractions

Meet Deadwood’s Legends

Lodging

Dining

Gaming

Destination Deadwood® Staff: Letti Lister, Publisher | Sona O’Connell, Advertising Manager Mark Watson, Editor | Katie Hartnell, Design

147 YEARS Since 1876 Destination

ALL PHOTOS ARE BLACK HILLS PIONEER/DESTINATION DWD STAFF UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Dying to know more about

Deadwood ’ s cemeteries?historic

Are you dying to know about the historic Deadwood cemeteries? Well, let’s lay your curiosity to rest. Mt. Moriah, St. Ambrose Catholic, and Oakridge Ceme -

teries are Deadwood’s historic triad of final resting places.

For the past several years, there has been an increasing interest in the

preservation of Deadwood’s cemeteries, which provide invaluable insight into

Established in 1878 by the Lawrence County Commission and situated on a mountainous plateau overlooking Deadwood Gulch is historic Mount Moriah Cemetery, filled with spectacular monuments marking the graves of Deadwood’s earliest residents and pioneering citizens.

“Mt. Moriah, obviously, is our most visited cemetery out of the three that are part of the city of Deadwood’s stewardship and ownership,” said Deadwood Historic Preservation Officer Kevin Kuchenbecker. “It gets over 120,000 visitors a year, coming up to see the graves of our legends, Wild Bill, Calamity Jane.”

Kuchenbecker describes the cemetery’s sacred grounds as instilling a magical feeling in those that visit.

“You’ve got pioneers that were instrumental in the founding of Deadwood, the growth of Deadwood, and the prosperity of Deadwood in there,” he said. “You’ve got Civil War soldiers that came here to prospect and look for their gold, but passed and are buried up there. You’ve got some individuals that were hung for their crimes committed in Deadwood. You’ve got madams and prostitutes that were buried up there. You’ve got multi-cultural, the Chinese section up

there. You’ve got your Masonic section and many other fraternal organizations in those markers and monu ments you can see as you walk through there. But then, also, there’s wildlife. You’ll see bighorn sheep or turkey or deer up there. It’s a magical place for being a final resting place for our forefa thers.”

There are 3,627 recorded burials in Mt. Moriah, as in Dead wood’s early days, many bodies were ex humed from Deadwood’s first cemetery and moved to Boot Hill. Approximately half of the burials in the cemetery have permanent grave markers.

“It’s arranged in a series of ovals and it’s one of two celestial masonic lodges, complete with pillars, an altar, worship, where it’s an outside masonic temple, basically,” Kuchenbecker said.

Kuchenbecker said he feels that it’s important to recognize that the terrain, itself, is challenging and was challenging for, obviously, the internment of individuals in there, because of the hillside.

“But as a result of that, there’s continual maintenance that is important to continue to preserve and restore that cemetery,” Kuchenbecker said. “A shining example of preservation is never-ending, that you’re continually doing mainte-

Story and Photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

Mt. Moriah Cemetery

nance or repairs or rehabbing or rebuilding, whether it’s a retaining wall or concrete wall. It could be the monuments are tipping or listing and the fencing that surrounds some of the graves is in a state of continual deterioration, just because of weather and those types of things.”

A $3.5 million restoration of Mt. Moriah Cemetery was completed in 2003. Walls were rebuilt, monuments refurbished, ironwork and masonry restored and streets repaired. Preservation efforts continue each year.

“We have been and will continue to make preserving that and all of our cemeteries a priority, out of respect for our fore-founders,” Kuchenbecker said.

You’ll want to set aside a minimum of one-half hour to view the celebrity graves on your visit to Mt. Moriah. Additional information on the history of the cemetery is located in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery Visitor Center.

Visitor center hours of operation: Memorial Day to mid-October, open seven days a week, 9 A.M.-5 P.M.; winter sched-

ule open, with limited maintenance.

There is a $2 entrance fee to Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Funds generated from this entrance help with the ongoing maintenance and beautification of the cemetery.

Deadwood City Archivist Michael Runge has penned a Mt. Moriah memoir, titled “Images of America Deadwood’s Mt. Moriah Cemetery,” which contains a plethora of historical information on the cemetery, as well as fabulous photographs.

In 2003, St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery was deeded to the city of Deadwood, and nine years later it underwent a $2 million restoration funded by the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission.

The city has committed to preserving the St. Ambrose Cemetery and its important historic resources and maintaining the grounds from this point forward.

There are just over 700 burials in St. Ambrose Cemetery, located just off Burnham Hill in the Highland Park Addition of Deadwood.

“St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery is equally historic,” said Kuchenbecker. “It was started in 1878, the same year as Mt. Moriah. We’ve done a multi-mil -

lion dollar restoration there, with fencing and monument restoration, plots and markers.”

There are approximately 708 burials in St. Ambrose, with many beautifully crafted headstones amidst towering pines.

“We don’t know everyone who is buried in the cemeteries, because there are several unmarked graves that we do not have knowledge of; especially in St. Ambrose because those records were lost in a fire, and we have not been able to secure those from the Catholic diocese at this time,” Kuchenbecker said. “We have done ground proofing and have put together a master plan and a burial list that we’ve been able to create.”

If you are going to visit St. Ambrose Cemetery, please set aside a minimum of one-half hour to walk the cemetery. Hours of operation: dawn to dusk.

Oakridge is Deadwood’s active cemetery, as burial plots are no longer available for purchase in Mt. Moriah or St. Ambrose Cemeteries.

The Deadwood City Council began a search in the late 1940s for additional cemetery space, as Mt. Moriah was filling rapidly. Land was secured south of Deadwood in Boulder Canyon and originally the lots were sold for $25. A newspaper reported a burial Dec. 21, 1950 in “the new Oak Ridge Cemetery near Deadwood.”

A six-phase restoration effort is currently underway at Oakridge Cemetery.

“Oakridge Cemetery is our modern

cemetery, just outside the city limits, head ing toward Sturgis up Boulder Canyon,” Kuchenbecker said. “We’re continuing to do updates. The sexton out there has installed sprinklers and a viewing shed to assist with individuals who have lost families, identifying select plots. We’re working on a Children’s Section with some new monuments, adding street signs.”

Oakridge Cemetery is located at ‘76 Ranch Road and Highway 14A. Hours

of operation are 6 a.m. until dark, daily. For information on Oakridge burial records, contact Deadwood City Hall at (605) 578-2082.

Oakridge Cemetery

St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery

Come for the food, Stay for the fun!

DeaDwooD welcomes repair of one trail, eying builDing another

Story by Jaci Conrad Pearson

The Whitewood Creek Boardwalk Trail could open back up as early as this summer, with the Deadwood City Commission’s approval of contracting with American Engineering Testing for geotechnical exploration and review for the Whitewood Creek Boardwalk Trail Reconstruction project at a cost of $5,250.

Sports Bar & Grill

• Full bar with 12 beers on tap

• Late-night food

• Outdoor dining

• Trolley stop in front

• Parking ramp directly behind

• Pool & darts

• Kids menu

• Families welcome

Deadwood Historic Preservation Officer Kevin Kuchenbecker said the city of Deadwood removed the boardwalk, due to unsafe conditions.

“There were rotted and deteriorated members that were beyond repair,” Kuchenbecker said. “And enough deterioration that we removed the entire boardwalk this last spring and closed that trail. In the meantime, we’ve engaged an engineer to design a replacement walking path that would not be elevated, but a small retaining wall on the lower side and upper side with a paved or cinder path along there. In doing so, we wanted to ensure that any structure we put there stays in place, so we’re doing geotechnical investigation.”

Kuchenbecker said there have been hill slides over the decades up above Railroad Street.

The former wooden boardwalk was installed in the late-1990s and founded on short concrete drilled piers which experienced large amounts of rotational movement and has since been demolished.

The geotechnical study will help city officials determine the subsurface conditions at the site and to evaluate the suitability of the site soils for their use in constructing the proposed

retaining walls, as well as the stability of the anticipated hillside cuts.

Deadwood to Mt. Roosevelt Trail

Another trail may be coming to Deadwood as the city commission approved a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study in the amount of $52,875 for a planned trail construction project between Deadwood and Mt. Roosevelt, including the area around Deadwood Dick’s gravesite near The Lodge at Deadwood.

Kuchenbecker said the city of Deadwood with Main Street Initiative with funding from BID #8 are working with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service on development of a trail system between Deadwood and Mt. Roosevelt, Stage Run, and The Lodge at Deadwood.

“A requirement is the NEPA study, which shall identify wildlife habitat, cultural resources, archaeological sites, and ensure that those resources are protected during any activity on federal land,” Kuchenbecker said.

Kuchenbecker said the study would take around six months.

“Obviously, weather permitting,” Kuchenbecker said. “We have to get out on the ground, per se, and check for those resources,” Kuchenbecker said. “That will be done by the professional archaeologist and team. Then that will be submitted to the Forest Service at the next phase in the permitting process. Trails probably wouldn’t be implemented until 2024.”

Days of Local keeps wagons rolling man '76

I’m not an expert, by any means. There’s a lot of people that know a whole hell of a lot more than I do. I know just enough to get me in trouble,” said Mike Bachand, the Days of ’76 Museum’s go-to guy when it comes to its wagon collection restoration needs.

Bachand has lofty safety and aesthetic standards for the wagons. His current project is a grain wagon, dating back to the late 1800s or early 1900s, that was in

pretty tough shape when he started on it.

“So we’re rebuilding everything,” Bachand said. “I rebuilt some of the undercarriage. Rebuilt the box. I go by what was there. I use what was there for a pattern. Like the tongue and stuff, that was tore up, so I used the old one for a pattern.”

Although a “Parts of a Wagon” diagram hangs prominently in his Days of ’76 Museum workshop, amazingly enough,

Continued on page 9

Story & Photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

Bachand can even freestyle.

“I’ve built ‘em from scratch without havin’ any idea of what was what,” he said.

Growing up 30 miles east of Sturgis along the Belle Fourche River, Bachand was charged with the care of both the wagons and horses used to run his family’s ranch.

“I grew up around this stuff. We had wagons like this. We did everything with horses. We fixed all our own stuff, just because you couldn’t get it to somebody because it was too far,” he recalled. “Back then, when I was a kid, we didn’t go very much.”

Bachand learned on the job, starting from a very young age.

“When I was a little kid, 6, 7, maybe 8 years old, not very big, my dad, we fed with a team of four horses,” Bachand said. “We pulled two hay racks and Dad always took a saddle horse to the feed yard, tied to the back hay rack. He’d get on the saddle horse and send me home with the team. I really thought I was doin’ somethin’. All I did was hold the lines. Those horses knew the routine. They blew into the stack yard, make their turn and stop right where they needed to stop. Mom would come outta’ the house, we’d get ‘em unhitched and put ‘em in the barn. I’ve just been doing it my whole life.”

Thus, it would be safe to say, a lifetime

of experience is being sunk into each and every wagon. And the projects are pretty much a passion.

“Oh, I love doin’ it,” Bachand said.

What appeals to him most?

“Gettin’ everything back to close to as original as I can,” he said. “I put rivets where there are supposed to be rivets. Bolts where there’re supposed to be bolts.”

Bachand has been tasked with restoring four wagons thus far, and once they are restored, they go back into the Days of ’76 Museum collection on the showroom floor.

One was a late 1800s lumber wagon, that is now complete; one is under construction; and two are anticipated to be restored in the coming months.

Asked how the determination was made which wagons he would work on, Bachand simply stated, “The ones that’re gonna’ fall apart,” he said. “They’re rotten.”

He noted one wagon in particular.

“I don’t know what happened, but they tore the whole front end of the box off, broke several pieces underneath on the runnin’ gear. And I don’t know what happened,” Bachand said. “I think it was just rotten and the horses turned too short and the wheels got under the box and it broke the box. It messed a lot of things up. Like, the wheels. Had to put bushings in the wheels because they were so sloppy.”

With around 75% of the running gear

original, Bachand works with and around what he’s got to painstakingly bring the wagon back to its former beauty.

“The box is brand new,” he said.

Nearly everything but the hardware is new.

“Except for the bolts. You can’t reuse them. But I made the end gate like it was. You know, these all slide in and out. Most of the time, they don’t take the top two out. They just take the bottom one out, because it’s like an accordion. That lets the grain run out, then you jump in there, push the grain out the back.”

Bachand said the grain wagon he was currently working on was larger than most.

“Most of ‘em are two boards high. This one was three. The bottom boards 14 (inches). The second one’s 12 (inches). And the top one’s 10 (inches wide),” he said.

Staining the wood as close as he could back to the original color, clearly an antique shade of green, was also part of the work.

“Most of the time, like, the runnin’ gears were yellow, orange, or red underneath,” he said. “OK? This one is kind of unique, in a way, I don’t know where they got this wagon, but, the front axle is a John Deere. The back axle, I think, I’m not sure, is an Owensboro. They probably had two wagons and the front was good on one

Continued on page 10

and the back was good on one, so they just stuck ‘em together.”

Enter the second farm wagon — a completed restoration project on display in the Days of ’76 Museum that will be used in the July Days of ’76 parade. It was Bachand’s very first wagon project, which he began in February 2022.

What did he do to this one?

“Rebuilt pretty much the whole undercarriage,” Bachand said. “I didn’t redo the wheels. Two of the wheels we had to have done. I don’t have the equipment here to do the wheels. Takes a lot of different stuff. You’ve gotta’ have big drill presses and big lathes. They don’t have that stuff.”

To complete this work, the wheels are sent to others outside of Deadwood.

All four wagons he is set to restore are farm wagons.

Unfortunately, many wagons set outside in the weather — relics of days gone by and replaced by modern technology. Their owners, not wanting them to be forgotten will try donating them to museums.

“A lot of times they’re OK, but a lot of times they’re so rotten,” he said.

He noted one set for restoration.

“The floor was so rotten, if anybody’da stepped on the floor, they’da fell through. So, you know, that’s a safety thing. Yeah, they only get pulled two days a year, but they need to be in good shape,” Bachand said.

Painting the appropriate hardware on the wagons is both a painstaking and tedious undertaking.

“When they originally make ‘em, they’re painted before they ever go together,” Bachand said. “Well, these old wagons, I can’t get ‘em apart without breakin’ things, so, I leave ‘em together.”

What is the most nerve-wracking thing about wagon restoration?

“Getting everything to fit, to go back like it was,” Bachand said. “The lumber that you get nowadays, nothin’s straight. If you look, you can see gaps in there. You can see daylight through there. When I put this together, there wasn’t any. It’s dried and shrunk that much. So that’s the hardest thing is to get good lumber and then try to get it cut straight. And this kind of stuff is really expensive. So you don’t wanna’ mess up.”

Bachand pointed out a scrap pile that consisted of less than five pieces of lumber,

each around 18 inches long.

“The big pieces, I build little boxes like that,” Bachand said.

Bachand’s first order of business when he started the project just over a year ago was greasing the wheels on each and every wagon and buggy in the Days of ‘76 Museum collection.

“I think I did 70. Two to three a day. A buggy’s pretty easy. But, like some of those big wagons, where ya’ have to jack ‘em up,” Bachand said. “It’s fun. It’s interesting to see how different wagons are made different. I’ve not done two wagons alike, yet. There’s a difference somewhere in every one of ‘em. And there’s not two wagons made by the same company out here (in the museum) either. There’s buggies, there’s beer wagons, there’s rock wagons, there’s a lumber wagon, there’s drays. There’s just about one of everything out here.”

The restoration process also includes often-overlooked details.

“There’s stuff underneath that people don’t ever see,” Bachand said. “See, like here. There’s two little boards that go across clear up her; one in front and one behind. That’s to keep this wagon box from going back and forth. And there’s one on the front. And a lot of ‘em don’t have one on the front. And like this; (A hook where a pickup hitch would normally be) Tie your horse to it or tie your milk cow to it. You can hook on to a tree and drag it home, if you need to. And a bucket goes

over here. And what that bucket has in it is axle grease to grease the wheels.”

Not only does Bachand rehab the wheels, box, and undercarriage. He even rebuilds the brake system.

“All of this stuff is new. The whole brake system. Except for the iron. This piece was here. I used everything that I could use,” Bachand said.

Six years ago, Bachand began operating stagecoach rides up and down Deadwood’s Main Street. After a brief hiatus, he started running the stage again and decided to move to the area from outside Cody, Wyo.

In fact, pulling the Deadwood Stagecoach is a century old tradition in Bachand’s family.

“During the Days of ’76, my family did it every year. Last year was our 100th year and it was the Days of ’76 100th year,” he said.

His grandpa, Frank Bachand, helped start the Days of ’76.

He pulled the stagecoach as did his dad, uncle, and other family members.

“So it’s either been grandpa, a son, or a grandson that’s pulled the stagecoach in the Days of ’76,” he said.

Be sure to look for Bachand’s work on the bricks of Deadwood. Whether it’s a wagon in the Days of ’76 collection or parade or the Deadwood stage being pulled up Main Street by stately Percherons, you can pretty well bet Bachand’s had his hands on it.

Deadwood’s

national historic lanDmark

Designation play over last 35 years bolstered by $216M

preservation Dollars in

Ever wonder why Deadwood looks the way it does? The Victorian vibe, the classic, quintessential Old West charm, the foundational 1880-1930s-built brick and mortar that lines Historic Main Street. It’s one of the most unique places in the world and it’s all because decades ago it was recognized that if these irreplaceable relics weren’t preserved, Deadwood and all its

Gold Rush era aesthetic would be lost forever.

“In 1961, the National Park Service recognized the importance of Deadwood to the U.S. history, our nation’s history,” said Deadwood Historic Preservation Officer Kevin Kuchenbecker.

In 1961, Deadwood was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Continued on page 15

Summer Weekly Event Schedule

Monday: Monday Night Movie Night –featuring fun, family-friendly movies sponsored by Bluepeak

Tuesday: Deadwood History Family Fun Day at 3 pm –enjoy interactive programming provided by the Homestake Adams and Research Cultural Center. Sponsored by Deadwood Historic Preservation

Wednesday: Summer Concert Series Starting at 6:30 pm –featuring local, regional & national music acts performing on the Sue Lundberg Memorial Stage, in-kind sponsors Holiday Inn Express & Deadwoodescaperooms.com

Thursday: Family Fun Day –enjoy a variety of family fun games following the 6 pm Deadwood Alive gunfighter re-enactments at Outlaw Square.

Join us at Outlaw Square for all kinds of fun during

Story and Photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

2023 SCHEDULE of EVENTS

13

SPRING–SUMMER

PRESERVATION THURSDAY

CLARK, CARR, AND GRIFFIN – THREE

CLASSIC KINGS OF SOUTH DAKOTA COWBOY POETRY

Presented by South Dakota Humanities Council’s Speakers Bureau Scholar, musical performer, and cowboy poet Michael McDonald.

Event Information: Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center

13

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

WITH SPECIAL GUEST JEFFERSON STARSHIP

Over 35 million records sold and counting. Join two of the biggest names in Rock-N-Roll.

Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

14

LARRY THE CABLE GUY

“I’m on the diet where you eat vegetables and drink wine. That’s a good diet. I lost 10 pounds and my driver’s license”. Only legendary comedian Larry the Cable Guy is able to look at life from that angle.

Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

14 15

10TH ANNUAL FORKS, CORKS & KEGS

Sample a variety of beer and wine from all across the country, along with your Black Hills favorites as you make your way to various tasting venues through Deadwood. Then head to the Grand Tasting, which features dozens of beer & wine varieties, and light hors d’oeuvres.

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

22

MENTALIST CRAIG KARGES

Craig Karges combines the art of magic with the science of psychology and the power of intuition to create the impression that nothing is impossible.

Event Information: Homestakeoperahouse.org

22

PATSY’S DAY

Share in this annual celebration honoring Patsy, the beloved terrier of William Emery Adams. Guests who make a donation of any pet product for the Twin City Animal Shelter will receive free admission to the Historic Adams House.

Event Information: Historic Adams House

27

AARON WATSON

Aaron Watson has traveled the land as country’s ultimate underdog troubadour – a truly independent artist with the spirit of the American frontier in his veins, and a self-made empire to match.

Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

29

STARDUSTFEST

StardustFest brings people together to raise a positive vibration through creativity, music, art, wellness, spirituality, local artisans and so much more!

Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

4

PRESERVATION THURSDAY

ALICE ROOSEVELT LONGWORTH – WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT ME IS TRUE!

Learn about this lively, witty, clever, acerbic, and delightfully rebellious daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States.

Event Information: Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center

7

FOREIGNER

Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with Ten multi-platinum albums and sixteen Top 30 hits.

Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

11 —15

HOMESTAKE THEATRE WORKS PRESENTS INTO THE WOODS

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow, would give milk. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

Event Information: Homestakeoperahouse.org

14

MOTHER’S DAY TOURS

In honor of Mother’s Day, the Historic Adams House and the Days of ‘76 Museum will offer free admission to visiting mothers.

Event Information: Historic Adams House

26— 27

LEAD HIDDEN TREASURE HERITAGE FESTIVAL

The Hidden Treasure Heritage Festival is a weekend of fun events showcasing little-known historical aspects of Lead.

Event Information: LeadMeThere.org

27

BLACK HILLS MOTORCYCLE SHOW

Deadwood Custom Cycles has reincarnated the Black Hills Motorcycle Show and is hosting it where else but Historic Deadwood, South Dakota. New venue, fresh entertainment, and exciting vendors are all combining to make the Black Hills Motorcycle Show the premiere motorcycle show in the Midwest!

Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

28

BACK WHEN THEY BUCKED

A unique fundraiser that brings you the #1 sport in South Dakota, PRCA Xtreme Bronc Riding along with the WPRA Breakaway roping.

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

2 3

DEADWOOD ALL IN FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS SHOW

Bringing Top X Games, Nitro Circus Athletes from around the world to put on one of the best shows!

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, DeadwoodAllIn.com

3 4

MICKELSON TRAIL MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, 5-PERSON MARATHON

RELAY, MICKELSON FAST 5K & KIDS

WONDERFUL 1K

Discover 26.2 miles of Black Hills beauty during the annual Mickelson Trail Marathon that starts and finishes in Historic Deadwood.

Event Information: MickelsonTrailMarathon.com, 605-390-6137

6

THE TROLLEY ON THE TRAIL

The Trolley on the Trail allows people with impaired mobility to experience the Mickelson Trail. Riders will learn about the history of the former railroad line and the inception of the trail. Reservations are required.

Event Information: Mickelson Trail Office

9 — 10

DEADWOOD PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING

Bull riding is one of the most extreme sports known to man and Professional Bull Riding is bringing elite bulls and bull riders to Deadwood’s Days of ‘76 Event Complex.

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

10 11

3RD ANNUAL BLACK HILLS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Black Hills Renaissance Festival will take you on a magical tour through time and legend! Enjoy music, Renaissance themed entertainment and games.

Event Information: LeadMeThere.org

10

THE BIG MICK 2023

Experience the beauty of the Black Hills from your mountain bike on the George S. Mickelson Trail. Ride from Deadwood to Edgemont (109) Miles).

Event Information: Mickelsontrailaffliliates.com, 605-440-2400

13 15

3RD ANNUAL MICKELSON TRAIL SUMMER TREK

This 3-day ride covers almost the entire trail. as they travel through the scenic valleys, old railroad tunnels and historic mining towns.

Event Information: Mickelson Trail Office

15 17

6TH ANNUAL WILD BILL DAYS

Celebrate the life and times of Wild Bill Hickok as you enjoy free concerts, National Dock Dog’s Competition and learn the tricks of gold panning and sluicing from Northern Hills prospectors right on Main Street!

16

HISTORY ON THE LAWN

AN OPEN SECRET: THE STORY OF DEADWOOD’S MOST NOTORIOUS BORDELLOS

The official launch of American author Chris Enss’ latest book, An Open Secret, focuses on infamous cat houses like the Beige Door, those individuals who managed the businesses, their employees, their well-known clientele, the various crimes committed at the locations, and their ultimate demise.

Event Information: Historic Adams House

17

Chris Enss, a New York Times Best Selling author, scriptwriter, and comedienne, will be signing copies of her book, An Open Secret, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Brothel Deadwood.

Event Information: The Brothel Deadwood

17

6TH ANNUAL WILD DEADWOOD READS

More than 100 authors from all over the country, including bestselling and award-winning authors of every genre.

Event Information: Wilddeadwoodreads.com

27

NORTHERN HILLS COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT

Enjoy live patriotic music and marches, as well as worldfamous show tunes on the Historic Adams House lawn. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC).

Event Information: Historic Adams House

27 29

30

HOMESTAKE

THEATRE WORKS KIDS PRESENTS DISNEY’S NEWSIES JR.

When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

Event Information: Homestakeoperahouse.org

KOLBY COOPER

Kolby Cooper is one of the fastest growing new country artists touring today, with millions of downloads, incredibly rabid fans and a new EP on the horizon.

Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

3 4 JULY

GOLD CAMP JUBILEE

Join us for the best fireworks show in the Black Hills over the impressive Open Cut with vendors, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, music, food, history and mining talks on Historic Main Street!

Event Information: LeadMeThere.org

4

INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

The public is invited to enjoy an Independence Day Parade in Historic Deadwood.

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

Continued on page 14

9 14

11

9TH ANNUAL 3-WHEELER RALLY

Vendors, socials, entertainment, trike show n’ shine, poker runs, awards night trike parade, trike games of skill, charitable fund-raising and more.

Event Information: D3wr.com

THE TROLLEY ON THE TRAIL

The Trolley on the Trail allows people with impaired mobility to experience the Mickelson Trail. Riders will learn about the history of the former railroad line and the inception of the trail. Reservations are required.

Event Information: Mickelson Trail Office

23— 29

101ST DAYS OF ‘76 RODEO

PRCA Rodeo Performances are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

AUGUST

4— 13

7

83RD STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY

When you stay in Deadwood you can still be close to the Rally but also enjoy Deadwood’s incredible nightlife, 24/7 gaming and the many promotions and events being held.

Event Information: The City of Sturgis Rally & Events, 605-720-0800

LEGEND’S RIDE

Join the 50-mile ride from Deadwood to Sturgis to raise money for regional charities. Celebrities lead the ride to the legendary Buffalo Chip.

Event Information: legendsride.com

SEPTEMBER

15

THE TROLLEY ON THE TRAIL

The Trolley on the Trail allows people with impaired mobility to experience the Mickelson Trail. Riders will learn about the history of the former railroad line and the inception of the trail. Reservations are required.

Event Information: Mickelson Trail Office

15

16

22 23

22— 23

28

33RD ANNUAL DEADWOOD JAM

Watch live, high-energy acts and electrifying performances by national, regional, and local muscians while bidding on an array of pieces by Black Hills artists. A silent auction will coincide with the live auction and continue through Saturday.

Event Information: Deadwoodjam.com

DEADWOOD’S CRAFT BEER FEST HOPS AND HOGS

Enjoy craft beer paired with samples of unique bacon dishes. Ticket holders receive an event pass, tasting card, schedule and an open container cup.

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

LAUGH IN LEAD COMEDY FESTIVAL

A two-day festival filled with laughter! Both local and national comedians will hit the stage at the Opera House to share their laughs.

Event Information: Homestakeoperahouse.org

JAY LENO

KOOL DEADWOOD NITES

Car lovers come together for classic cars, classic music, and classic fun. It’s a ‘50s and ‘60s sock hop – Deadwood style. Enjoy a parade, show and shine, classic car and memorabilia auction, and free concerts on Main Street.

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

23 27 GETTING OUR ACTS TOGETHER: A NIGHT OF ONE-ACTS

27

A collaboration of one-act performances with Belle Fourche Area Community Theatre and the Matthews Opera House in Spearfish.

Event Information: Homestakeoperahouse.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS, PLEASE CONTACT THE EVENT HOST.

Deadwood Chamber of Commerce 501 Main St., Deadwood

605-578-1876 • 1-800-999-1876 • www.deadwood.com

Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

1906 Deadwood Mountain Dr., Deadwood

605-559-0386 • www.deadwoodmountaingrand.com

Historic Adams House 22 Van Buren Ave., Deadwood

605-722-4800 • www.deadwoodhistory.com

Historic Homestake Opera House 3013 W. Main St., Lead

605-584-2067 • www.homestakeoperahouse.org

Lead Area Chamber of Commerce 160 W. Main St., Lead

605-580-7393 • www.leadmethere.org

He’s won Emmy Awards. People’s Choice and TV Guide Awards. The Mark Twain Prize for Comedy, the Patriot Award given by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and is widely regarded as one of the greatest stand-up comedians of our time.

Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

OCTOBER

6—7 13 14 20 21

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ADAMS HOUSE

Join Deadwood History and Black Hills Paranormal Investigations (BHPI) for an exclusive ninety-minute paranormal investigation of one of Deadwood’s most haunted sites. Learn the history behind the darker stories associated with the historic home and search for paranormal activity Psychic readings with Dani Jo Butler, owner of Sacred Soul LLC.

Event Information: Historic Adams House

6 7

OKTOBERFEST

Enjoy live German music at the PolkaFest, a poker run with prizes, free food, and dancing. Bring the whole family and join us for the now famous “Wiener Dog Races” and Beer Barrel Games!

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, DeadwoodOktoberfest.com

9

STARR CHIEF EAGLE HOOP DANCER

Starr Chief Eagle is an enrolled member of the Sicangu (Rosebud) Lakota Sioux Tribe. She enjoys sharing her culture through art, language, dance, and song for future generations in hopes of restoring and maintaining the Lakota culture.

Event Information: Homestakeoperahouse.org

That was a start, but preservation efforts were significantly bolstered in 1989 with the legalization of gaming in the gulch and the establishment of the Deadwood Historic Preservation Office. You could call it historic preservation in play, as $215,990,213 in gaming dollars distributed to Deadwood since then have helped save the city’s historic resources on a daily basis.

Each year and per state law dating back to the legalization of gaming, the city of Deadwood receives 50% of an 8% gaming tax after gaming commission expenses, up to $6.8 million and 10% after this amount is reached.

For as long as Deadwood has been in the legalized gaming business, it’s also been in the business of preserving the buildings and residences that characterize its rich historical heritage.

“Thank goodness for the foresight of our leaders to designate gaming revenues to support historic preservation,” Kuchenbecker said. “We’ve been able to preserve, promote, and protect that National Historic Landmark status in our historic resources.”

The 1981 city boundaries, i.e., the original town boundaries, are what comprise the National Historic Landmark district.

“It wasn’t until 1989 that they set the boundaries of Deadwood’s district,” Kuchenbecker said. “It is unique that a community and the number of resources that we have being part of that National Historic

Landmark status.”

More than 650 structures lie within the National Historic Landmark district, which runs from roughly Walnut Street, coming in from Pluma, on into Deadwood from the south; Broken Boot Gold Mine, coming from Central City; down at the slag pile and up to the Lodge.

commitment of the community to embrace a strong preservation ethic,” Kuchenbecker said. “And with that, comes the regulatory side, review of any exterior change to any structure within the National Landmark District. There is a true understanding from our residents. The importance of our history, that it is an economic engine that drives visitors here. We are fortunate to have great dining and entertainment and gaming, but it’s our history that is our major attraction. And that’s everything from the architecture to our museums to our entertainment on Main Street with Deadwood Alive to our cemeteries and, obviously, the legends of Wild Bill and Calamity Jane.”

“We’ve got such a diverse architectural style in Deadwood,” Kuchenbecker said. “We have Italianate. We have the Queen Annes. We have Victorian homes. We have Vernacular. Very simple structures in our residential areas. And then you get into Historic Main Street, where you’ve got resources from 1879 to 1930s that make up the Historic District. So if I was to say what’s unique, I would say our Historic Main Street, in general.”

Kuchenbecker said there is one driving force that contributes to the town’s continued preservation efforts.

“I think it’s the

Forested hillsides around Deadwood are also part of the Historic Landmark District.

“And there’s been a concerted effort over the last 15 years to protect that viewshed through conservation easements, acquisitions, and comprehensive planning to protect those viewsheds and environs that create the site and setting for the Landmark District,” Kuchenbecker said.

There are but three, examples of the extensive historic preservation impact and historic preservation dollars at work are evident at the Adams Museum, Historic Adams House and Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center.

Continued on page 16

“It is our history that is our major attraction”

Deadwood Historic Preservation Officer Kevin Kuchenbecker

From page 15

In 2005, the Adams Museum was able to address life-safety issues in the building with $1 million in historic preservation funds committed to making the facility more user-friendly. The Historic Adams House and contents were purchased with $225,000 of historic preser vation funds in 1992 and underwent a $1.5 million restoration completed in 2000, with matching funds from the Deadwood Historic Preserva tion Commission and Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation. The former F.L. Thorpe Building was purchased in 2007 and climate-controlled storage space created with $1.5 million in historic preservation funds to house the extensive Homestake Gold Mine archival collection and to establish the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center.

A sampling of other projects that have been undertaken with the help of the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission includes:

The Deadwood History and Information Center is the result of a full restoration of the former 1897 Freemont, Elkhorn and

Missouri Valley railroad depot.

Deadwood City Hall and Police Station is the result of the restoration and conversion of the 1936 Fish & Hunter warehouse building.

bished, ironwork and masonry restored and streets repaired.

The Lawrence County Courthouse is a 1908 structure, declared unsafe in 1986, which underwent a complete $4 million renovation and restoration project in the 1990s. Historic Preservation funds were used to restore murals and decorative stencil paintings that had been uncovered by workers in the main courtroom, the rotunda and other public areas. Most recently, historic preservation funds helped repair and restore the courthouse roof.

The Days of ’76 Rodeo Grandstand is a historic log structure, which has hosted rodeos and other events since 1923. When it underwent extensive and historically accurate renovation, the structure had been condemned by the insurance carrier.

The Carnegie (Deadwood Public) Library received more than $250,000 in historic preservation funds for exterior and interior renovation of the building, including paint, repairs and updates to heating and electrical systems.

The $3.5 million restoration of Mount Moriah Cemetery was completed in 2003. Walls were rebuilt, monuments refur-

Historic preservation is an ongoing process that never ends and there is still so much more that needs to be done in Deadwood, due in large part to its special designation.

“Deadwood being designated a National Historic Landmark puts it at the top of the designations and recognition of historic resources in the United States,” said Kuchenbecker. “The equivalent to a presidential home, to the Washington Monument, the status of the National Historic Landmark, there’s around 1,900 National Historic Landmarks in the United States and we’re one of them.”

DEADWOOD’S guilty pleasures

From its earliest days as a gold-mining camp, Deadwood has always been a place where men and women could come to seek their fortune; or at least, a hell of a good time.

Story by Alex Portal

After a long, hard day panning for gold in Deadwood Gulch or digging away in the mines, the prospectors of old could stop in at any one of the many saloons and dance halls lining Deadwood’s Main Street to Sip, Smoke, Savor, and

marvel at the many Spectacles the frontier town had to offer.

From the original cast of characters still here in spirit to the new personalities that guarantee a memorable visit, the true “Wild West” history of Deadwood lives on.

Continued on page 18

COURTESY PHOTOS

SIP

Deadwood was built on the backs of hard working men and women who poured all their skills and guile into doing whatever it took get the job done; and when the day’s work was finally finished, they’d pony up to their watering hole of choice and wash away their troubles with their favorite adult beverage. Although

the rotgut whiskey shots served up by handlebar mustachioed barkeeps have given way to expertly mixed cocktails, eager imbibers can still Sip their way through time and explore the unique history every tavern in town has to share. From martini bars to wine tastings and locally brewed craft beers — Sip your favorite beverage of choice served at vari ous locations throughout town.

Deadwood has something for everyone, and chances are whatever your thing is, it would be enhanced with a good cigar. Traditionally seen as primarily a male hobby, at least one famous Deadwood lady knew the value of a good smoke. Poker Alice Ivers was a mainstay at Deadwood poker tables and was rarely seen without her signature stogie. Even though the seedy saloons, hazy with thick and pungent clouds of tobacco smoke, have been transformed

into smoke-free honkytonk-style bars and jumping night clubs, passionate puffers can still enjoy a Smoke as they mosey up and down Main Street, or fire up a specialty cigar at the only indoor smoking lounge in Deadwood.

DEADWOOD SOCIAL CLUB

As always, Saloon No. 10 remains the “go to” experience for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy live music nightly, unique, whimsical gift shopping, live action gambling and South Dakota’s largest whiskey selection, offering over 250 Bourbons, Scotchs, and Whiskeys.

An Italian Steakhouse with New American and Farm to Table influences from local farmers, ranchers and producers. All complimented with hand crafted cocktails, martinis and an award winning wine list with over 180 selections from around the world.

SAVOR

Deadwood was flooded with homesteaders from all over the world looking to seek their fortune, be it through hard, honest work, or less scrupulous means. These men and women brought with them dreams of striking it rich and settling in the great unknown west; they also brought the food culture from

their native lands, and in so doing, added to the richness of the Black Hills. Without the unseemliness of having their meals quartered and skinned out in the open air of Deadwood’s thoroughfare, discerning diners can still Savor a sensational selection of specialty foods and sweet treats that can only be found in the Black Hills. Whether you are looking for family dining, a buffet, steakhouse, pizza, or special ty treat, you can find it all downtown.

SPECTACLE SOCIALIZE

Deadwood has never had a problem providing its visitors with all the entertainment they could want. Saints and sinners alike can find what they’re looking for on the cobblestone streets of this wild and wooly town. While the bawdy saloon girls

no longer hang in the doorways, beckoning prospectors into the gambling halls to spend their hard-earned money on all manner of rowdy entertainments, those looking for a good time can still find themselves drawn to the Spectacle of Deadwood’s casinos and concert halls, always brimming with world class shows and games of chance. Visit one of the many museums, brothels, or haunted spots in town; step into the past and experience gold panning like prospectors; or grab an oldtime photo keepsake.

Deadwood hosts a variety of special events throughout the year to help you indulge in all of its Guilty Pleasures.

deadwood events

FORKS, CORKS & KEGS :

April 14 & 15

WILD BILLS DAYS :

June 15-17

DAYS OF '76 RODEO & HISTORIC PARADES :

July 23 – 29

KOOL DEADWOOD

NITES : August 23 – 27

DEADWOOD JAM :

September 15 & 16

HOPS & HOGS

CRAFT BEER

FEST : Sept 22 & 23

OKTOBERFEST :

October 6 & 7

See more special events on pages 12-14

SIP YOUR WAY DeadwoodACROSS

From martinis, highballs and bloody marys to locally made craft beer and wines, Deadwood businesses have created a plethora of drinks that showcase their distinct style and flair. Here are just a few.

Schlitz Beer

In 2022 Madame Peacocks sold over 10,000 bottles of Schlitz Beer. Not bad for a ladies clothing store!

When Julie and Tom Koth purchased the building in 2012, they decided to keep the bar intact and get a beer license as a way to give guys and gals a place to enjoy a beer or seltzer while shopping. The decision to make Schlitz the “house beer” was easy—as Tom explains it. “It was the first beer I got a buzz off of”! It

Signature Bloody Mary

The Midnight Star’s Signature Bloody Mary offers a great combination of a tasty and zesty drink with delicious condiments to snack on while you enjoy your drink.

The Midnight Star’s Signature Bloody Mary’s ingredients include:

Vodka

Zing Zang bloody Mary Mix

Saloon

Charlie and Jason Mook, from the Saloon #10; Dave Ruth, Mayor of Deadwood, and Brad Lykken, a whisk(e)y connoisseur, all went down to the Maker’s Mark Distillery to create a one of a kind Private Select Barrel that can only be purchased at Saloon #10. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky is barrel finished with 10 selected oak staves. There are 1,001 different combinations to choose from, and the folks from the #10 chose this combination

was also the unofficial class motto of Tom and Julie, “Schlitz, Schlitz that’s our brew, we’re the class of “72”. Over the next few years customers started bringing in Schlitz memorabilia and pretty soon the area behind the bar evolved into a “mini Schlitz museum”. Some people come in to try a Schlitz as a bit of nostalgia and those a bit younger just want to give it a try. The most heard comment after the first sip or two—“Its Not That Bad”.

Frank’s Red Hot Worcestershire sauce

Celery Salt

Steak Tips

Appetizer blocks of cheese

Slice of lemon, slice of lime

Celery

Carrots

Olives

Pickle

to represent the flavor of the #10. 1 Baked American Pure; 4 Seared French Cuvee; 3 Maker’s Mark 46; 2 Roasted French Mendiant and 0 Toasted French Spice. The nose is rich and oaky with a touch of brown sugar. The taste is buttery with notes of chocolate and maple. It has a long finish with notes of toasted nut, clove and spice. This one-ofa-kind whisky that can only be found at South Dakota’s largest whisk(e)y bar, The Saloon #10. Stop in today. Cheers.

Contact us If you would like your signature drink featured in our next issue.

Saloon#10's Maker’s Mark Private Select- neat or on the rocks

Courtesy Photos

Courtesy Photos

and old west

• Deluxe Hotel Rooms & Luxury Suites

• 9 Casinos Filled With All Your Favorite Slot Machines & Live Blackjack Table Games

• Horseshoe Restaurant

• USDA Choice Prime Rib Served Daily and Breakfast All Day

• FREE On-Site Covered Parking

• FREE Wi-Fi Internet Service

• FREE Beer, Wine or Cocktails for Players

TRAVELODGE: 605-717-7181

FIRST GOLD GAMING RESORT: 1-800-274-1876

250 & 270 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732

• FREE Gold Club Players Card - Earn CASH Back While Playing PLAN YOUR

Located at the site of the first gold discovery in Deadwood, you will find lodging, dining, gaming

hospitatliy.

SAYING do DEADWOOD INI

Deadwood mayor discusses performing weddings

By the power vested in me, by the city of Deadwood and the state of South Dakota, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss.”

Justice of the peace is one of Deadwood Mayor David Ruth, Jr.’s ancillary duties, but not one he takes lightly or is inexperienced at, by any means. Fact is, he’s up for anything, once his 24-hour waiting policy has been satisfied and fact is, the impetus for wedding in the Wild West city runs the gamut.

“In four and one-half years, I’ve easily done over 100 weddings,” said Ruth. “I’ve actually had the honor of marrying some friends, to people who are fans of the Deadwood series on HBO or history buffs that come to town. I’ve done quite a few weddings at (Woody’s Wild West) Photography, where they get dressed up in period costume. I’ve done something as simple as, been together for years and finally wanted to finalize it, that love Deadwood. I’ve had quite a few that are kind of the old school Las Vegas style.”

Ruth said circumstances surrounding the decision to get hitched in Deadwood vary widely.

“I’ve ranged from just the (couple), where I’ve had to find witnesses, all the way up to a wedding with a guest list of 200 people, so it kind of reaches all different aspects or ranges, if you will,” he said.

Ruth said when he first began doing weddings, during his first year as mayor, he performed several ceremonies during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

“I did nine or 10 weddings that year, so it was a big thing,” he said. “But since then, there have been

Story by Jaci Conrad Pearson

wedding-specific businesses that have been created. There are people out there that just do this for a living and, so, they get more involved in and around Sturgis. I still get one or two. This last year, I had one, but it was kind of with about 48-hours notice that they were in Deadwood. And they

were like, ‘Oh, yeah, we weren’t sure where we were going to get married, but…’”

South Dakota statute is what enables and empowers Ruth or any other mayor to be a justice of the peace, allowing them to officiate weddings.

“In the state of South Dakota, on their marriage license that gets filed, you check one of two boxes. Either a civil marriage or religious marriage. So, when I get sworn in as mayor, then I automatically have the power vested in me by the city of Deadwood and the state of South Dakota,” Ruth explained.

So how does the process work?

“I have a service that I’ve used probably 85% of the time,” Ruth said. “It’s something that I sat down and wrote before my first service and did some research, did some digging and found some wedding vows. Now I’ve had couples that have written their own. I’ve had couples that have taken a look at my service and added to it or subtracted from it. Under certain circumstances, they don’t exchange rings, so, that part of the service gets omitted.”

Ruth’s service is one that’s not too lengthy — four minutes, eight seconds, to be exact.

“And it’s also one that’s not just 30 seconds, although, some people want the real short one. Some people want something that’s a little more lengthy. It just depends, from situation to situation,” he said. “… I tell them that I’ll do it anywhere but inside a church, because I believe that’s somebody else’s territory or turf.”

Ruth said it’s been an honor to be the officiant in all of the services he’s administered.

Continued on page 26

"In four and one-half years, I've easily done over 100 weddings," said Ruth. "I've actually had the honor of marrying some friends, to people who are fans of the Deadwood series on HBO or history buffs that come to town."

Mayor David Ruth Jr.

Courtesy Photo

From page 23

“Whether they be ones that they get married last minute, for whatever reason that happens to be. I try not to trivialize it too much,” Ruth said. “In all honesty, when I look back on it, I remember those that I’ve had a personal connection to, good friends that I’ve married. There are different situations, different scenarios, a couple that got remarried after being married years ago and got back together after 20-some years, so that was really cool. They’ve all been different. I would say, quite honestly, the ones where I’ve known both bride and groom have been the ones that have probably been the most special.”

For example, a local couple, Jason Mook and Charlie Struble-Mook, who serves on the Deadwood City Commission with Ruth, were joined in matrimony by Ruth outside the Saloon No. 10 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

so I know I’m not battin’ 1,000 over the four years, but, it’s an interesting thing. It truly is,” Ruth said.

Ruth said it is important for prospective marriage couples to note certain policies.

“We have to make sure they are aware that the requirement is a state-issued marriage license,” he said. “It’s actually a misdemeanor for me to perform a wedding without a marriage license. When they contact me, they’re surprised that, number one, it’s actually my cell phone; and number two, that I actually answer it, that I don’t have a secretary or they’re not calling my office. But then, I let them know that number one, you have to have a state issued license. Then we talk about whether they want to do it inside, outside, what type of location, there’s a series of questions that I ask them.”

“Honestly, I think it’s that connection to, sometimes it’s the Deadwood series, sometimes it’s, you know, going to Vegas to get married. They’ll do the same in terms of Deadwood.”

Mayor David Ruth Jr.

Although he would like to think that all of his marriages are still going strong, Ruth is sorry to hear about the ones he’s performed that don’t last.

“I know for a fact that one of them that I did, they are no longer married,

One other stipulation to note.

“I truly require that there be 24-hour notice, which may sound interesting, but there’s been several times where I’ve been called and they say, ‘We’d like to get married and we understand that you do weddings.’ And I say, ‘Yes. And when are you looking to get married?’ And they literally say, ‘In the next 15 minutes.’”

Case in point: one couple called and wanted to get married in 15 minutes and Ruth asked if they were staying in town overnight.

“And they said, ‘Yes.’ And I said, ‘Well, call me in the morning, and we’ll get all the particulars figured out,’” Ruth said. “So then, the next morning, they called me and said, ‘You know what? We thought about it. We’re not going to do it.’ So that’s one of the reasons I have them wait 24 hours.”

And why do couples choose Deadwood to tie the knot?

“Honestly, I think it’s that connection to, sometimes it’s the Deadwood series, sometimes it’s, you know, going to Vegas to get married. They’ll do the same in terms of Deadwood,” Ruth said. “You get quite a few of them that love the Rally or love the Black Hills, just wanted to come back and get married here.”

Ruth said it’s something that when he became mayor, he didn’t realize the level of responsibility being a justice of the peace would be or what type of commitment it would be.

“Because it’s something you don’t think of when you decide to get elected mayor of a community that you have the power in South Dakota to be an officiant,” he said. “Not all mayors do it. I know some are adamantly opposed to it or reluctant to do it, so they don’t, and that might contribute to people coming to Deadwood to getting it done, too.”

Courtesy Photos

This former 1898 Victorian brothel, bar and gambling hall offers ghost/paranormal tours integrated with historical perspectives related to its violent and colorful past to its present-day hauntings and are a historically accurate experience for the entire family.

AGENCIES BAND TOGETHER TO BOLSTER CUSTER PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER

Getting up to the 6,804-foot perch that is home to the Custer Peak Lookout Tower takes some doing. But once one is up, oh, what sights can be seen.

Accomplishing this feat revealed the toils and progress being made in a partnership between HistoriCorps, Boxelder Job Corps Center, and the Black Hills National Forest forged to repair and preserve this historic structure built in 1911 and still in use today as a fire lookout.

HistoriCorps, a non-profit organization specializing in preserving historic structures on public lands, and Boxelder Job Corps Center are working with employees from the Forest Service on the lookout south of Deadwood, off Highway 385.

David Porter, district archaeologist on the Northern Hills Ranger District, said Custer Peak requires constant maintenance, due to the fact that it’s an old structure.

“What I do is make sure that what we’re doing to the lookout actually maintains its historic character,” Porter said. “That it’s going to look like what it looked like when it was originally built. I do the historic research on it. Historic photos, historic drawings, and I write a report for what we call Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act … describe what we’re doing, how we’re going to do it, exactly, step by step, what the process is and what the end result will be. Basically, the report is going to state that what we’re doing is going to match the historic character of the structure when we’re done, but also preserve it for future generations.”

The Custer Peak Lookout is still in use by the Forest Service as a fire lookout. The first lookout was built in 1911 as a small cabin on a platform. In 1916 it had wrap-around windows installed. In 1923 a cupola-style lookout replaced the cabin and was used until 1941-1942 when the Civilian Conservation Corps

constructed the lookout seen today, using natural materials to help match the natural surroundings.

“We want it to look like it looked when it was originally built by them. We don’t want to add modifications. We don’t want to make it look modern, but we also have to keep it updated and maintained,” Porter said. “It’s still being used for its original purpose. It’s heavily visited by tourists, so it’s important that we keep it at an operating level.”

A structural engineer and a historic architect were hired to survey the entire building prior to the project’s start.

“They went through it, every little nook and cranny and decided every little thing that could be fixed and how it could be fixed,” Porter said. “It’s been a very cooperative effort.”

The Boxelder Job Corps is a forestoperated Job Corp Center and five students from the center are helping on the project. Carpentry and painting, facility maintenance, welding, electrical,

Story & Photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

office administration, culinary arts, and forestry are all trades that can be learned at the center. Students helping out on the Custer Peak Lookout Tower are enrolled in the carpentry and painting trade.

“The students will be under the direction of the HistoriCorps staff, cutting stuff, fitting lumber, making sure it fits tight, nailing and screwing,” said Works Program Officer Ed Lewis. “They’ll be painting when they’re finished. It’s a great experience for the students.”

“Mostly, cutting lumber,” he said. “We’re part of the carpentry trade. We’re learning how to use more specific tools, more power tools, measurements. It’s a lot of fun and a lot of work, at the same time. What was really hard was carrying all this lumber up here.”

Ruff said in the future, he aspires to build custom houses and the work on the tower is preparing him for that.

“A lot of the work we’ve done in the past was just repair work,” Ruff said. “This is kind of like that, but on a bigger scale.”

HistoriCorp Crew Leader Beckett Hunecke said he is working with students,

helping them learn the correct tools to learn and helping them get through the day.

“This is giving them more onsite experience,” he said. “You can work in a shop and learn how to use tools and things like that, but when it comes time to actually apply those skills, that is what this is. You’re going to run into things where you’re going to have to do problem solving … it’s learning to apply the skills they already have and just learning to be adaptable.”

Hunecke said, hopefully, the experience inspires students to go into historic preservation.

“We need more people to be doing that. A lot of these buildings, especially with the Civilian Conservation Corps, are getting to be around 100 years old and we want to be able to keep using them in adapted ways, or like this, where it’s still being used the same way it was originally designed for,” Hunecke said. “We’re going to need the people that have the construction skills that also have a passion for history.”

$1.5B wagered in DEADWOOD

Eclectic, ever-changing gaming destination caters to crowds of visitors each season

Story & Photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

With 21 properties offering gaming, more than 2,500 gaming devices, and dozens of different gaming platforms, Deadwood’s gaming handle came in at $1.5 billion in 2022, continuing a tradition of eclectic, ever-changing gaming action in the Gulch.

According to year-end statistics released in January by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, Deadwood’s cumulative handle for the year amounted to just under $1.5 billion.

“We are pleased that total handle for 2022 was only off 1.35% from 2021’s record year,” said Deadwood Gaming Association (DGA) Executive Director Mike Rodman.

Rounding out the year, table games had a handle of $86.1 million, a 5.6% decrease compared to 2021 levels, slot machines had a handle of $1.4 billion, a 1.4% decrease compared to 2021 levels, and sports wagering had a handle of $7.2 million. For 2022, the collective handle in Deadwood was $1,494,517,283,

down 1.35% compared to the same period in 2021.

Rodman said the goal of Deadwood’s gaming establishments is to remain relevant to their customer base, accomplished by constantly keeping abreast of casino trends and offerings.

“Aside from the multitude of slot machines available, there is also craps, roulette, player banked poker, sports

Continued on page 36

wagering, blackjack with several variations, and player banked poker with several approved variations. As far as slots are concerned, penny slot machines are by far the most popular,” Rodman said. “After slots, the ranking by popularity is: blackjack, house banked poker, sports wagering, player banked poker, craps, and roulette.”

Sports wagering is Deadwood’s newest gaming offering, introduced in September 2021 and featuring six casinos – The Lodge at Deadwood, Cadillac Jack’s, Tin Lizzie, Gold Dust, Midnight Star, and Deadwood Mountain Grand offering an extensive catalog of sports wagering options, including: baseball, basketball, fighting, football, golf, hockey, Olympic games, racing, rodeo, rugby, soccer, and tennis.

While South Dakota did take a whack at introducing statewide online betting that would be based out of Deadwood, it failed this legislative session but it is expected to be reintroduced in the future.

“As to the failure of HJR 5006, this was not the DGA’s bill, but was brought

However, although we are disappointed on the bill’s failure, we supported the bill because we believed the language in the bill protected Deadwood,” Rodman said. “We also know that nationally, the option to be able to place your sports wager through your mobile device has

ent that option to the voters of South Dakota.”

As Deadwood gaming continues to evolve, its historic draw is unparalleled as a vacation destination.

“Deadwood has developed into a unique integrated gaming destination because of its special blend of history, gaming, entertainment and events, along with dining and retail shopping, nestled in beautiful natural surroundings,” Rodman said. “Deadwood is also known as a ‘hub and spoke’ for vacationers staying in Deadwood and taking daytrips to the regional tourism offerings.”

become the most popular option. We believe South Dakota sports wagerers also want this option and we will be working with the DGA’s membership to

It is important to point out that underage gaming is prohibited in Deadwood, per state law: “No licensee may allow any person under 21 years of age to gamble, loiter in the gaming area of a casino or be present at a gambling table, slot machine or other area in which gambling is conducted unless an exemption or deviation from this rule is approved by the executive secretary,” reads the statute. “Nothing shall prevent any person under 21 years of age from passing through a casino to nongaming areas.”

ADAMS MUSEUM

54 Sherman St., Deadwood | (605) 578-1714

www.deadwoodhistory.com

The Adams Museum once served as a cabinet of curiosities but has evolved into the premiere history museum in the Black Hills. Featuring a collection of artwork and artifacts reflecting the natural history and pioneer past of the northern Black Hills., the museum was founded by W.E. Adams in 1930. Step into the past and discover a rare plesiosaur, the mysterious Thoen Stone, impressive collections of paintings, guns, photos, minerals, and Native American artifacts.

WINTER HOURS (THROUGH APRIL) Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday & Sunday.

SUMMER HOURS (MAY – SEPTEMBER) Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BLACK HILLS MINING MUSEUM

323 W. Main St., Lead | (605) 584-1605

www.blackhillsminingmuseum.com

Share the thrill experienced by the old time prospectors by panning your own gold! Walk through time with “miner” tour guides in timbered passages of a simulated underground gold mine. View historic mining artifacts and local history exhibits. This museum includes a historic video presentation of mining in the Black Hills, a gift shop with gold panning books and supplies, and more.

WINTER HOURS By reservation only. Call (605) 722-4875 or (605) 584-1326

SUMMER (MAY – SEPTEMBER)

Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BROKEN BOOT GOLD MINE

1200 Pioneer Way, Deadwood | (605) 722-4800 www.deadwoodhistory.com

In the spring of 1876, the call of gold led a flood of miners, merchants, muleskinners and madams to sweep into Deadwood Gulch.

The intriguing story of one of America’s last great gold rushes comes to life at Deadwood’s Broken Boot Gold Mine, established in 1878.

The mine sat vacant for 36 years. In 1954, a group of Deadwood businessmen re-opened it as a tourist attraction.

Step into the Black Hills' best underground mine tour and return to a time when the powerful punch of a miner’s pick and the roaring boom of dynamite signaled the ongoing search for the richest veins of gold on Earth.

a.m. to 6 p.m.

THE BROTHEL DEADWOOD

610 Main St., Deadwood | (605) 559+0231

www.brotheldeadwood.com

Brothels were a fixture on the second story of several Deadwood Main Street buildings from 1876 until 1980. In an effort to best tell this narrative, visitors will be transported through the 104-year time period with a guided tour of the rooms at the original site of the Shasta Rooms, or the Beige Door brothel.

OCTOBER – APRIL Wednesday–Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. MAY – SEPTEMBER Daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

DAYS OF ‘76 MUSEUM

18 Seventy Six Dr., Deadwood | (605) 578-1657 www.deadwoodhistory.com

The Days of ‘76 Museum began informally, as a repository for the horse drawn wagons and stagecoaches, carriages, clothing, memorabilia, and archives generated by the Days of ‘76 Celebration. The newer 32,000-squarefoot museum is home to collections of Western and American Indian artifacts, archives, photos, and artwork. It houses one of the nation’s most significant collections of American Western history. The four important collections are Wagons & Vehicles, Rodeo Collection, Clothing Collection, and Clowser Collection.

WINTER HOURS (THROUGH APRIL) Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday, Sunday, and winter holidays.

SUMMER HOURS (MAY – SEPTEMBER) Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DEADWOOD ALIVE SHOWS

(800) 344-8826 | www.deadwoodalive.com

Witness the Thrill of a Main Street Shootout! The Deadwood Alive Gunslingers are looking for trouble – and they find it every day with historically accurate reenactments of Deadwood’s past.

SPRING & FALL SCHEDULE

Free shows Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 4:20 p.m. at Outlaw Square

SUMMER SCHEDULE

MAY 20 – SEPTEMBER 23

Free shows daily (except Sunday) on Historic Main Street from noon to 6 p.m.

SHOOTOUTS

2 p.m. Wild Bill Bar/Celebrity Hotel

4 p.m. Big Dipper/Saloon #10

6 p.m. Outlaw Square/Franklin Hotel

COURTESY PHOTO

PHOTO COURTESY DEADWOOD HISTORY

PHOTO COURTESY DEADWOOD HISTORY

PHOTO COURTESY DEADWOOD HISTORY

GEORGE S. MICKELSON TRAIL

11361 Nevada Gulch Rd., Lead

(605) 584-3896

www.mickelsontrail.com

The 109-mile-long Mickelson Trail follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line and contains more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels. South Dakota’s first rails to trails project is enjoyed by bicyclists, hikers and horseback riders. Its gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. There are 15 trailheads, all of which offer parking, self-sale trail pass stations, vault toilets, and tables.

HIGH PLAINS WESTERN HERITAGE CENTER

825 Heritage Dr., Spearfish | (605) 642-9378 www.westernheritagecenter.com

The High Plains Western Heritage Center was founded to honor the old west pioneers and Native American of five states. This museum features western art, artifacts and memorabilia.

It houses the completely restored “original” Spearfish to Deadwood Stagecoach that was bought in 1890 and last ran in 1913.

A 200-seat theatre features many historic programs, entertainment, and special events.

HOMESTAKE ADAMS RESEARCH & CULTURAL CENTER

150 Sherman St., Deadwood | (605) 722-4800

www.deadwoodhistory.com

The Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC) houses, preserves, and provides public access to one of the nation’s largest collection of Black Hills archival materials.

Dating from the 1870s to present, these materials provide a better understanding and appreciation of the people, places, and events that shaped the unique history of the Black Hills. The extensive collection includes historic photos, maps, city directories, personal diaries and journals, gold exploration and production reports, and many other historic materials.

HISTORIC MATTHEWS OPERA HOUSE & ARTS CENTER

612 Main St., Spearfish | (605) 642-7973

www.matthewsopera.com

In 1906, the new Matthews Opera House was the center for entertainment in the Northern Hills, hosting touring companies and vaudevillians.

HOURS:

January & February: by appointment only

March & April: Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May - October: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

November & December:

Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Sunday & Monday Closed

HISTORIC ADAMS HOUSE

22 Van Buren Ave., Deadwood | (605) 578-3724

The Adams House recounts the real tragedies and triumphs of two of the community’s founding fam- ilies. Following the death of W. E Adams in 1934, his second wife closed the house. For a half-century, time stood still, nothing was moved. Painstakingly restored and preserved by leading experts in historic preservation, the Adams House was reopened to the public in 2000, revealing a time capsule in a place where legends still live. Tour rooms and grounds of this elegant Victorian mansion and learn why it was once Deadwood’s social center.

OCTOBER & APRIL Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 4p.m.; closed Monday and Sunday

WINTER HOURS Closed November – March

Open for specialty tours and group tours

SUMMER HOURS (MAY – SEPTEMBER) Daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Time seems to have stood still, for today the ornate woodwork, murals and brightly painted advertising on the art curtain are throw-backs.

Currently, The Matthews consists of a fine arts gallery with 48 regional artists and upstairs, the theatre continues to provide community plays, national performance acts and music concerts.

AUGUST – MAY Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

JUNE – JULY Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HISTORIC HOMESTAKE OPERA HOUSE

313 W. Main St., Lead | (605) 584-2067 www.homestakeoperahouse.org

This incredible building was constructed in 1914, and boasted a theater that sat 1,000 people and also housed a swimming pool, billiard hall, library, bowling alley, smoking room, and social hall. It was built by Homestake Mining Company superintendent Thomas Grier, and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, widow of George Hearst, the owner of Homestake Mining Company. In 1984, the theater was nearly destroyed by fire — and it sat empty for 11 years. In 1998, work on restoration and structural improvements began, and in 2008, the first community theatre production in 25 years was celebrated by the Gold Camp Players.

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

ART GALLERY

COURTESY PHOTO

PHOTO COURTESY DEADWOOD HISTORY

MT. MORIAH CEMETERY

2 Mt. Moriah Rd., Deadwood | (605) 578-2600

Mt. Moriah Cemetery was established in 1878, because of the increasing demands at Ingleside Cemetery which was down the hill.

Mt. Moriah has numerous sections: Chinese; Jewish; Masonic; Civil War and Indian War veterans; and Potters’ Fields, final resting places for early day indigents and prostitutes.

Some of the well-known residents of Mt. Moriah are: James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok (1876); John “Potato Creek Johnny” Perrett (1943); Martha “Calamity Jane” Canary (1903); Henry Weston “Preacher Smith” Smith (1876); Seth Bullock (1919); and W.E. Adams (1934) .

Mt. Moriah is first and foremost a cemetery and should be afforded the respect any final resting place deserves.

WINTER HOURS Open with limited maintenance MEMORIAL DAY TO MID-OCTOBER HOURS Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MT. ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL

2.5 miles from Deadwood on US Hwy 85

Mt. Roosevelt is home to the “Friendship Tower” monument, created by Seth Bullock in memory of the friendship he had with President Theodore Roosevelt.

After a short hike up to the tower, visitors are able to take in the sights of the beautiful Black Hills.

To get to Mt. Roosevelt from Deadwood, take US Hwy 85 north for 1.5 miles, then turn west on FSR 133. There are five picnic sites and a bathroom located in the picnic area.

The hike to the Friendship Tower and overlook is less than one mile from the trail head, but moderately uphill.

OUTLAW SQUARE

703 Main St., Deadwood | www.outlawsquare.com

Outlaw Square is a public gathering place where families can come and enjoy fun events that take place throughout the year

– From family fun days to ice skating, music events, history presentations, book readings and more! Outlaw Square is a place for you to enjoy some outdoor family time in the heart of Deadwood.

Open daily. Ice skating begins November 21.

SANFORD LAB HOMESTAKE VISITOR CENTER

160 W. Main St., Lead | (605) 584-3110

www.sanfordlabhomestake.com

The exhibit hall has exciting information about Sanford Underground Research Facility and the history of Homestake. Exhibits include photographs, videos, science and mine artifacts, and a 3D model of the underground- from the surface down to the 8,000 ft. level! From the deck, view the 1,000-foot-deep Open Cut. Tours include a trip through historic Lead and a surface tour of Sanford Lab. In the Yates room, you’ll see hoists that have been in operation since 1939. You’ll learn a little bit about the mining process and the state-of-the-art Waste Water Treatment Plant designed by Homestake.

MONDAY-SATURDAY

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours

STAGECOACH TOURS

621 Main St., Deadwood | (605) 580-1900

One of the most recognizable and historic Old West icons in existence is the famous Deadwood Stagecoach.

Deadwood Alive continues the legacy and romanticism of the Deadwood Stagecoach still notorious throughout the globe today.

You can experience the same mode of transportation used during the Black Hills Gold Rush which brought men and women of all types and characters into the gulch while traveling up and down Historic Main Street. Riders need not fear being filled with buckshot but we encourage you to stay aware of desperadoes and bandits who may search the coach for gold and treasures.

TUESDAY-SATURDAY

MAY-SEPTEMBER (EXCLUDING EVENT WEEKENDS)

Stagecoach boards across from the Franklin Hotel every half hour starting at 11:00 a.m. with the last ride at 3:30 p.m. on Historic Main Street. (Weather permitting). For more infomation, stop by Outlaw Square.

TATANKA: STORY OF THE BISON

(605) 584-5678 | www.storyofthebison.com

Kevin Costner, attraction founder/owner, invites you to visit Tatanka.

60 million Bison once roamed the Great Plains of North America. By the end of the 19th century, it was estimated that less than 1,000 bison survived. This is their story.

While at Tatanka, you’ll enjoy larger than life bronze sculptures featuring 14 bison pursued by three Native Americans riders; the Northern Plains Peoples Educational Interpretive Center; Native American gift shop; Sweetgrass Grill and Snack Bar; and Dances with Wolves movie costumes.

MAY 17 – OCTOBER 31 Monday – Saturday 9 a.m to 5 p.m. NOVEMBER 1 – MAY 5 Wednesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weather permitting. Closed holidays.

TRIAL OF JACK MCCALL

Tickets: (800) 344-8826 | www.deadwoodalive.com

The Trial of Jack McCall has been performed in Deadwood since the mid-1920s, making it one of nation’s longest running plays. The play is based on the actual trial which took place in the mining camp of Deadwood after Jack McCall murdered James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok. This is a family-friendly show where the selected members of the audience participate in the performance serving as jurors in the trial.

MAY 20 –

SEPTEMBER 23

Monday – Saturday

7:35 P.M. Shooting of Wild Bill and the Capture of Jack McCall, Main Street in front of Old Style Saloon #10

8 P.M. Trial held at Franklin Hotel Theater, 700 Main St.

Attraction hours and schedules are subject to change. Please confirm information with the venue.

PHOTO COURTESY SD TOURISM

COURTESY PHOTO

PHOTO COURTESY SD TOURISM

James Butler Hickok

“Wild Bill”

1837 – 1876

Aside from images of the Black Hills gold rush and the Sioux Indian wars, Deadwood is famed in the public’s mind as the place where “Wild Bill” Hickok was murdered while playing poker in Saloon No. 10.

Hickok joined a flood of miners, shopkeepers, prostitutes, card players, bunco artists, and outlaws invading the raw and just-formed town of Deadwood in June of 1876.

His intent was to separate prospectors and miners from their gold –not at the point of a gun, but at the poker tables with a winning hand and two pistols at hand for any sore losers in the bunch.

Hickok was a newlywed with a wife to support. His bride, the former Mrs. Agnes Thatcher, was waiting for him back in Cheyenne.

Hickok had a couple of habits that served him well in the rowdy bars of the West. He’d pour his drinks with is left hand, leaving his best gun hand at the ready. When gambling he wanted to sit with his back to a wall. On August 2, 1876, during a card game in the No. 10 Saloon, Hickok walked in and noticed a poker game was in progress, but the only empty seat at the table faced away from the saloon’s doorway. Hickok failed to persuade others at the table to trade seats with him, then decided to take the open seat.

Hickok never saw a loafer named Jack McCall walk up within three feet, pull a .45 out of his coat, and pull the trigger.

Hickok spilled his hand – pairs of black aces and eights – known forevermore as “Deadman’s Hand.”

Quickly apprehended, McCall said he’d killed Hickok because “Wild Bill” had killed his brother. A miners’ court figured that was an acceptable defense and let him go. McCall bragged one too many times that he’d killed Hickok and was arrested, tried in Yankton and hung on March 1, 1877.

Seth Bullock

1849 – 1919

Seth Bullock is a notable Westerner, not only here in the Black Hills, but in Montana and Wyoming as well.

Before coming to Deadwood, Bullock was a member of the 1871 Territorial Senate of Montana, during which he introduced a resolution calling upon the U.S. Congress to set aside Yellowstone as the nation’s first national park. The measure was approved and Yellowstone National Park was created in 1872.

Bullock entered into partnership with Sol Star in the hardware business in Helena, Mont. And the two ventured to Deadwood in 1876 and opened a highly successful hardware store in the booming gold camp. The hardware store was remodeled and turned in to the historic Bullock Hotel, with luxury accommodations for those days.

The murder of Wild Bill Hickok sparked a loud demand for law and order and Bullock was quickly tapped to serve as the town’s first sheriff.

Bullock was soon appointed as one of the first U.S. Marshal of the Dakota Territory. He ranched on the Belle Fourche River and was the first in the territory to plant alfalfa. His leadership led to building a federal fish hatchery for the Black Hills, in Spearfish.

Bullock founded the town of Belle Fourche.

A lifelong friend of Theodore Roosevelt from the 1890’s Bullock was appointed by “Teddy” as the first Forest Supervisor of the Black Hills Forest Reserve, predecessor of today’s Black Hills National Forest.

Roosevelt’s death in 1919 shattered Bullock. Despite his own frail condition, Bullock quickly built the Roosevelt Monument on Mt. Roosevelt across the Gulch from Mt. Moriah.

Months later Bullock died of cancer at the age of 70 and was buried, at his request, on the hill-side above Mt. Moriah.

Charles H. Utter

“Charlie”

1838 – 1912 (est.)

Colorado” Charlie Utter is known locally as a good friend to “Wild Bill” Hickok. Indeed, Utter saw to it that his good “pard” was properly buried. A notice was posted around town, alerting citizens that funeral services would be held “at Charlie Utter’s camp on Thursday afternoon, August 3, l876, at three o’clock p.m. All are respectfully invited to attend.” Utter even wrote Hickok’s epitaph for a grave marker.

It seemed like the least he could do, seeing as how Utter brought Hickok to the Black Hills. Utter organized a wagon train in Georgetown, Colorado, which swung through Cheyenne, Wyoming, on the way to the gold strike. That’s where Hickok joined the wagon train.

A Colorado newspaper described Utter as a “courageous little man” wearing fringed leggings and coat, and sporting gold and silver decorated revolvers.

After Hickok’s murder, Utter reportedly turned his entrepreneurial spirit to letter and freight delivery, mining and gambling. The Lead newspaper “Black Hills Times,” on June 24, 1879 reported:

“Charlie Utter, nuisance, keeping a dance house. To Mr. Utter the Court delivered a very severe lecture, condemning all such practices in unmeasured terms. But in consideration that Mr. Utter had closed the place (Judge Moody) sentenced him to one hour’s confinement and a fifty dollar fine and costs.”

Utter departed Deadwood after a fire swept through and destroyed much of the town on September 26, 1879. He was later rumored to be practicing medicine in Panama.

Johnny Perrett

“Potato

Creek Johnny”

1866 – 1943

Potato Creek Johnny” or Johnny Perrett, was one of the Old West’s most respected and peaceable men.

Full grown, the Welshman stood an impish 4 foot, 3 inches. He searched the West for adventure and dabbled in many pursuits before settling down to prospecting.

Potato Creek Johnny staked his claim in Deadwood’s Potato Creek. That’s where he stayed until his death in 1943.

Johnny found what is believed to be the largest gold nugget prospected in the Black Hills. The nugget weighed 7.35 ounces. He sold the nugget to W.E. Adams, and a replica is on display at Deadwood’s Adams Museum – the real nugget safely tucked away in storage.

Johnny became a local and national hero, loved for his warm personality and magical way with children. He was a favorite of all those who visited his diggings or met him on the streets of Deadwood.

After dying at the age of 77 after a short illness, his body was buried at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, near Wild Bill and Calamity Jane.

When his funeral procession rolled past the Adams Museum, the carillon chimes tolled 77 times.

Martha Jane Canary

“Calamity Jane”

1852 – 1903

Calamity Jane was born Martha Jane Canary near Princeton, Missouri, in 1852. She was married a number of times and had a daughter about whom little is known. Noted for dressing, most of the time, in men’s clothing and for wild behavior, she was also known by the early miners and settlers for her kind and generous nature.

She was the lady bullwhacker whose language was so strong that brave men feared it more than her gun – which nearly always hit its mark.

Calamity Jane came to Deadwood during the spring of 1876. The gulch region became her permanent home for the rest of her life, although she ventured elsewhere many times.

She whooped it up with the prospectors and the gamblers on nearly a nightly basis in the saloons and gambling halls. She always got what she wanted, a sack of groceries for a sick miner or a ticket home for a wayward saloon girl … all at the point of a gun.

Calamity Jane was said to be in love with Wild Bill Hickok. Maybe she was, but the romance was apparently one-sided. Wild Bill never strayed and never forgot the lovely Agnes, his bride of only a few weeks whom he had left in Cheyenne before traveling to Deadwood to seek his fortune in the gold rush.

When smallpox broke out in the Deadwood gold mine camp, she devoted herself to caring for the sick men. Many a pock-marked old man of the Black Hills in later years called her “an angel”.

Every person who knew her told a different story about her. She was good and kind, she took care of the less fortunate, she was drunk and disorderly, she was a renegade, but none ever said she stole or committed a serious crime.

The end came for Calamity Jane in a boarding house in Terry, an upper Hills mining camp. A combination of pneumonia and alcoholism carried her off on August 1, 1903.

Her funeral was the largest ever held in Deadwood. One writer declared that “10,000 persons with not one mourner among them” attended the funeral.

She was buried at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, as was her request, beside Wild Bill, forever close to him in death but never in life.

MILES TO DEADWOOD A Weekend Away

Your Deadwood experience starts here

Whether you’re in the mood for something quick or a culinary experience, Deadwood aims to satisfy!

t TROLLEY SCHEDULE t

Winter Schedule

Sun. – Thurs. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Fri. – Sat. 8 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Mid May - Mid September

Sun. – Thurs. 8 a.m. – Midnight | Fri. – Sat. 8 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Trolleys run at regular intervals between all hotels, motels and other key points throughout Deadwood. Cost is $2.00 per ride. Hours are subject to change. The hourly trolley schedule is posted on the back of the Main Street Trolley stop signs.

For more information, contact: City of Deadwood Trolley Dept. | 605-578-2622