Deadwood

"America's Restored Gold Camp"

Population: 1,830 • Elevation: 4,533

In the 1870s, Deadwood Gulch was the site of the last big frontier gold rush in North America.  Fueled by gold and greed, Deadwood began as a lawless camp of get-rich prospectors and a business district comprised largely of saloons, dance halls, card parlors and bodacious bordellos.  Deadwood flourished on gold mining for more than a century, but today it is well known for its rich history, legal gambling and attractions that are all related to gold, or the wild and woolly gold rush heritage of this wonderfully restored community.


Nearly 80 gaming establishments, over 28 hotels, 41 restaurants as well as numerous campgrounds and service stations.  Local attractions for fun and relaxation include Gulches of Fun Amusement Park, The Roo Ranch, Trial of Jack McCall and Broken Boot Gold Mine.

Experience Old West History
The entire city of Deadwood is a National Historic Landmark. Authentic re-creation of turn-of-the-century street lamps light the way through accurately, carefully restored architecture. The famous and infamous have left their marks here just as depicted on Home Box Office's "Deadwood" TV series!  Follow their footsteps as you explore the beauty and history of this one-of-a-kind Wild West town.

Visit the Adams Museum and House which features extensive collections of artwork, photographs, guns, minerals, fossils, 19th Century clothing and home furnishings.  You'll find the mysterious Thoen Stone, memories of Deadwood's Jewish and Chinese communities and the myths associated with Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane Canary.  They're open year-round.



Mt. Moriah Cemetery
This was the stuff legends were made of on the American frontier. Into this volatile mixture of humanity wandered Madam Dora DuFran, Potato Creek Johnny, Preacher Smith, Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane...they all lived and died in rambunctious Deadwood. All of them are buried at the Mt. Moriah Cemetery high above Deadwood.

Headstones at this National Historic Landmark, one of the West's original "Boot Hills," tell of the dangers and the tragedies faced by the real men and women who chose the challenges of raw, uncivilized Dakota Territory.