Journey to DEADWOOD

The second best television series of all time was HBO’s historically, pseudo accurate “Deadwood.” Allowing for the usual creative licence, the characters in the show really existed in the 19th century. The plot followed the general, historic development of the town of Deadwood, South Dakota. In short, the US government gave this area of South Dakota to the Lakota people. But, we found gold…and…so much for that treaty. Thus, the gold mining, boom town of Deadwood came into existence. Outside of US jurisdiction, Deadwood was an initially lawless land. And, not to mention that the native Americans wanted to kill you too. I knew the town from the TV series. I read about the actual history. Lastly, it was time to journey to Deadwood…

The original buildings of Deadwood were all built in the 1870s…made of locally harvested wood. In 1879, most of the locally harvested wood…burned to the ground. In the second version of Deadwood, the residents used stone/brick to build their businesses. Many of these late 19th century buildings still stand in Deadwood. Sure, there is now electricity, lights and pavement….but, I am telling you this as close to stepping back in time that I have ever experienced. This town looks and feels like the old west. It helps to add to the lawless feel when every other building is a casino/bar. Every facade and building interior puts you back in the gold mining heydey of Deadwood. But, the real highlight was the Bullock Hotel…

This will mean a lot more to those that watched the HBO series. But, the Bullock Hotel was built 1895 by SHERIFF BULLOCK. Yes, everyone’s favorite character in the series was real. He built this hotel. The hotel/casino still exists and still operates They even offer night time ghost tours. And, I stayed there! I was transported back to 1895 The place even smelled like the late 19th century. And, as an added bonus, my wife even won money at the slots. Meanwhile, I got free draft beer while she played. Beyond the honor of staying at the Bullock Hotel, the other “must do” attraction in Deadwood is a visit to Mount Moriah Cemetery.

Deadwood is built within a narrow mountain pass. Subsequently, if you are just outside the city…you are going up the mountain. Mount Moriah Cemetery is a historic, scenic cemetery that goes up the mountain. Deadwood’s favorite citizen, Sheriff Seth Bullock, is buried in Mt Moriah. But, he is not in the main cemetery. You have to hike another quarter mile straight up the mountain side. His grave sits on top of the mountain watching over the cemetery and the entire mountain pass that is Deadwood. Beyond the Sheriff, there are others worth mentioning in Mt Moriah.

As you know from the series, Wild Bill Hickok lived the last days of his life in Deadwood. But, Jack McCall shot and killed Wild Bill during a poker game. And lastly, the citizens of Deadwood put Bill to rest in Mt Moriah Cemetery in 1876. Wild Bill’s good friend was Calamity Jane. Calamity Jane’s dying request was to “bury me beside Wild Bill.” And, so she was, in 1903. Lastly, I want to mention two more final items…

I would be remiss if I did not mention my quest for the oldest bar in each state. Yep, its in Deadwood. Built in 1877, the Buffalo Bodega bar and casino still maintains its old western charm today. If you are looking for something else to do in the area, visit in August. You can travel to the neighboring city of Sturgis, SD, and join a half million of your closest friends at the annual motor cycle rally.

If you enjoyed Deadwood the series, this is a must travel destination. Or, if you just like to step back in time to the lawless old west, I highly recommend that you journey to Deadwood. PT

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If you want to know more about Deadwood https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadwood,_South_Dakota

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