Destination Deadwood Spring/Summer 2022 by Black Hills Pioneer

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

INSIDE 3 7 10 12 15 17 22 24 26 28 32 34 36 40 43 44 46

Treasure trove of History Deadwood Gaming Shatters The Records in 2021 Chinese Tunnels Fact or Fiction? Schedule of Events Pret-ty Crafty Deadwood’s Guilty Pleasures Days of ‘76 To Turn 100 Mickelson Trail Map Hit the Trail(s)! Walkable Ways to Enjoy Deadwood Model Train Display Pays Homage To Railroad History Deadwood’s Natural History, Abounds Tours of Deadwood Attractions Meet Deadwood’s Legends Lodging Directory Dining Directory Gaming Directory

Destination Deadwood® Staff: Letti Lister, Publisher | Sona O’Connell, Advertising Manager Mark Watson, Editor | Katie Hartnell, Design BELOW PHOTO AND COVER PHOTOS COURTESY DEADWOOD ALIVE ALL OTHER PHOTOS ARE BLACK HILLS PIONEER/DESTINATION DWD STAFF UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

estination 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.

146 YEARS Since 1876

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Treasure trove of

history Fassbender Collection could be most significant photographic resource for Western historians

PHOTOS COURTESY FASSBENDER COLLEC TION

Story by Wendy Pitlick

photographic treasure trove of history, with meticulous documentation for hundreds of thousands of images has been preserved in the Northern Black Hills and continues to be catalogued for the public. The Fassbender Collection consists of at least 800,000 images of Black Hills history, dating from the 1880s to the 1980s, as well as photographic equipment that renowned Northern Hills photographer Josef Fassbender and his family used to capture history. Under the shared ownership of the cities of Spearfish, Lead, and Deadwood, and managed by a board of directors with trustees representing each municipality, the collection has been called one of the most significant resources of photographs in the West. It includes such landmark news and developments as Mount Rushmore’s construction, the Stratosphere Balloon in 1935, the grand opening of Spearfish Canyon Road, Presidential visits by Calvin Coolidge and Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Black Hills Passion Play, the Black Hills Roundup, and more. It even photographically documents American daredevil George Hopkins’ unfortunate mishap in 1941, when he parachuted onto Devil’s Tower and was left stranded on the tower for six days, after his rappelling equipment missed its mark, leaving him no way to get down. In 1914, Fassbender emigrated to the U.S. from Germany, where he had actually studied architecture. But when he followed a priest who was bound for Eagle Butte, S.D., he found himself working various jobs before opening his own photography business near Faith. His meticulous attention to detail and artistic eye soon caught the attention of Spearfish photographer O.A. Vick, and soon Fassbender moved his family to Spearfish to work as Vick’s assistant. He later bought Vick’s business,

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

and started Fassbender Studio, which became renowned throughout the Northern Black Hills and Wyoming. “Given that the vast majority of the collection is weddings and portraits, and there are many, many yet to catalog, I would say the studios were certainly busy,” said Richard Carlson, curator of the collection. Interestingly, Fassbender’s zeal for capturing history only made up about 20% of the photographs in his meticulously documented collection. With studios in Spearfish, Deadwood and Sundance, Wyo., Fassbender was actively sought out as the premier studio photographer for the area. From 1927 to 1958, he was known as “Joe, the man who took our pictures” by residents in the area. His studio window was frequently changed out with large, beautiful photographs of everything from high school and college football games, to community events, to weddings, family and senior portraits. Throughout his tenure with Fassbender Studios, Fassbender also bought out several neighboring photography businesses, adding to his collection of photographic history. In 1933 his son, George, decided to continue the family business and bought his father’s studio. George worked with his brothers, sisters and brother-in law to continue their father’s legacy of historical preservation, keeping meticulous records of each numbered photograph and storing them at his Spearfish studio. But when his roof began to leak, his looked to his longtime friend, Spearfish businessman Ed Furois, to help him store the images in a sealed shed near the Black Hills Airport-Clyde Ice Field. That’s where the pictures remained after George’s death in 1998, when he left the collection to his friends, Furois and Spearfish businessman Johnny Sumners. The two businessmen recognized the importance of keeping the history in the Northern Black Hills, and after holding it in storage for 11 years, they began looking for ways to preserve the collection in perpetuity. After reaching out to the Lawrence County Historical Society, further negotiations would have the cities of Spearfish, Lead, and Deadwood combining resources to pay $300,000 for the collection in 2009. The cooperative

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

purchase agreement included establishing a board of directors, with representatives from each municipality, which would oversee the preservation, cataloguing and digitizing of the collection. Jerry Krambeck, who served as Spearfish mayor when the municipalities acquired the collection, was a major proponent for the acquisition that would preserve the images and make it available for public viewing and enjoyment. “I was aware the collection existed for many years, but it was not available for anybody to see,” he said. “It was in storage at a couple of different locations. I was amazed that it was so complete, very organized, and untouched. Also, there are a lot of items and photographs that I was not aware of included with

the collection that are pre-Fassbender, that he acquired that were also from this locality.” One of the reasons Krambeck said he pushed for local cities to acquire the collection, was so it would stay in the Northern Hills area. “I believe it was equally important to all of the Northern Hills towns that it be preserved and kept, and not end up someplace else, that does not have the history that mirrors the collection,” he said. “I do hope at some point the collection can have its own place for the public to have more access to the images and the history it displays.” Continued on page 6

From page 5

In 2010 the Fassbender Collection found its permanent home at the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center, where it is stored in hundreds of acid-free boxes in a climate-controlled room. Carlson works with volunteers who don white gloves to carefully handle the historic negatives, in order to sort them in acid-free envelopes, digitize them and catalogue them. The end-goal is to create a searchable database, where historians, families, genealogists, and others can find historical records and studio portraits of ancestors. So far, more than 35,000 images

have been digitized and catalogued, with several hundred thousand left to go. In addition to cataloguing the collection, Carlson also has several large-scale photographs — at least 12 from each city, and more from the surrounding area — which he puts on display throughout the area and at public events, in order to raise awareness of the collection. “It is a phenomenal collection,” she said. “Once people see it they will really understand the historical importance of this collection to not only Lead, Deadwood and Spearfish, but to the entire Black Hills

area. These photographs are just time capsules. The more people know about it the more they will perhaps want to come see it for themselves or do research her or have prints made for themselves or whatever.” In January 2022 the Fassbender Photographic Collection joined with Deadwood History, Inc. in a stewardship agreement, that allows the two entities to share resources and increase exhibit opportunities for the collection. Deadwood History Inc. manages the Adams Museum and House, the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center, the Days of ‘76 Museum, and the Brothel at Deadwood. “We want to get it out there and have stuff on exhibit again,” Carlson said. “(We will be) more proactive about doing those things and really tying in with Deadwood History really opens that door a little more because of the properties that Deadwood history manages.” For more information, or to view photographs from the Fassbender Collection, visit https://www.historicblackhillsstudios.org.

Summer Weekly Event Schedule Monday: Monday Night Movie Night – featuring fun, family-friendly movies sponsored by Vast Broadband Tuesday: Deadwood History Family Fun Night – enjoy programming provided by the Homestake Adams and Research Cultural Center along with family fun games. Sponsored by Deadwood Historic Preservation Wednesday: Summer Concert Series – featuring local, regional & national music acts performing on the Sue Lundberg Memorial Stage, in-kind sponsors Holiday Inn Express & Hotel by Gold Dust Thursday: Presentation Thursday – a variety of different presentations will take place at Outlaw Square. Look at Outlawsquare.com for updates. Sponsored by Sanford Health

Join us at Outlaw Square for all kinds of fun during the Summer of ‘22!

Info at: www.OutlawSquare.com • 703 Main St. 6

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Dshatters eadwood gaming the records in 2021 Story & Photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

es, Deadwood was definitely a destination in 2021. With a record-breaking year on the books, patrons of Deadwood’s 25 casinos pushed operators past the $1.5 billion threshold for Deadwood gaming’s biggest year ever and helped ring in sports betting in the fall. “What an incredible year for Deadwood gaming,” said Mike Rodman, executive director of the Deadwood Gaming Association. “It has been an unbelievable rebound from the pandemic impacts. Deadwood has blossomed on the national stage as an integrated gaming destination.”

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Rounding out the year in the handle comparison category, table games had a cumulative handle of $91.142,099, a 45% increase compared to 2020 levels. Slot machines had a cumulative handle of $1,421,194,487, a 34% increase compared to 2020 levels. At year-end, there were 90 tables and 2,636 slot machines reporting revenue in Deadwood. Sports betting came to Deadwood on Sept. 9, 2021 after voters passed a state Constitutional amendment and the state Legislature approved the action in the spring. The gaming commission approved rules just in time for the fall

sports season. Five casinos welcomed the action to their floors in those first few months while more are being planned. In 2021, Deadwood’s sports wagering had a collective handle of $2,651,477. “Growth will continue, as we bring on more sports wagering properties,” Rodman said. “With the expansion of our sports wagering catalog at the first of the year, we are now able to meet many of the requests of our customers, such as futures bets, team and player prop bets, additional parlays, in-game and in-play bets, plus international tennis Continued on page 9

Destination Deadwood©

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From page 7

and formula one racing. We will also start exploring with the South Dakota Commission on Gaming at their March meeting the start of mobile sports wagering. This will still need to take place in a gaming property, but can be placed on a patron’s phone or tablet. This is a very popular way to place sports wagers across the country.” All in all, Rodman attributes the significant gaming increases experienced in 2021 to a variety of factors. In the midst of this incredible gaming increase, industry operators have faced significant staffing shortages, but still managed to rise to the occasion. mer in various Deadwood properties.” Overall, Rodman said the renaissance Deadwood gaming experienced is a confirmation of what locals have long said about Deadwood being a wonderful integrated gaming destination that the rest of the country has finally discovered. “Our unique combination of recreation, history, concerts and events, dining and entertainment, and great gaming options make us a sought-after

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

destination,” Rodman said. “While we are sometimes criticized for it, we are fiercely competitive with other gaming destinations and strive to have the same offerings they provide their guests. Sometimes, this means we have to go to the people of South Dakota and ask that they let us provide these services.

hinese tunnels

FACT OR FICTION? Story & Photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

his is a fact. In the late 1800s, Deadwood was home to an estimated 300-500 Chinese residents. Fact or fiction? In the late 1800s, Chinese residents of Deadwood were relegated to traversing town via underground tunnels. “To my knowledge, there’s been no proof of Chinese tunnels,” said Deadwood Historic Preservation Officer Kevin Kuchenbecker. “There were opium dens and places where the Chinese gathered. Obviously, we had a Chinatown. But you could not go from one side of Deadwood to the other in an underground network of tunnels.” The myth may come from the fact that many Deadwood sidewalks are void underneath, where businesses either received deliveries from the front and lowered them down to the lower

level or there may have been an actual business at that location. “There were vaults under the sidewalk on Main Street and still remain,” Kuchenbecker said. “Sidewalk vaults that are used by some businesses today for deliveries, were initially built for deliveries and for places to get fuel, such as coal to heat the buildings. And I believe we’ve identified 11 different sidewalk basements, or sidewalk vaults attached to businesses.” The sidewalk vaults are located in the vicinity of the Midnight Star and adjacent buildings, Saloon #10, and Woody’s Wild West Old Time Photos. “Of course, down there at the Fairmont, where you actually walk down into the lower level from the outside,” Kuchenbecker said. “There are some at 666 Main St., Berg Jewelers, to name a few.”

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Built in 1888, Deadwood’s Syndicate Block is a perfect example of businesses and walkways, beneath ground level. A surviving example of those subterranean walkways can still be witnessed at the Fairmont, where the lower level was once a bathhouse and barbershop and the main level was a saloon and dancehall. A walkway, beneath the sidewalk, allowed men to go behind the building without being seen up to the second and third floors which were at that time a brothel. Above were cast iron sidewalk skylights made of glass pucks that are still visible today that let natural light through. At Saloon #10, an underground sub-sidewalk hollow space is used to store liquor. A manhole in the sidewalk that unlocks is used to drop beer into the storage area. So, just where did the notion of Chinese tunnels come from? “I think we’ve been a tourist destination for a century or more,” Kuchenbecker said. “Where individuals come to witness the history of Deadwood and Chinatown and our Chinese heritage

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

has been an important part of Deadwood’s history. Along the way, certain individuals, I believe, created tours to talk about the Chinese culture in Deadwood and created the Chinese tunnel attraction. But archaeologically, we have not found the Chinese tunnels.” What historic preservation officials have found is ample evidence of a not-so-endearing aspect of Chinese culture present in Deadwood’s early days. “Archaeologically in Chinatown, we have found numerous artifacts dealing with the use of opium,” Kuchenbecker said. “From the vials to the smoking paraphernalia, as recently as last summer, summer before last, when we did Four Points, that was several opium dens and opium vials and smoking paraphernalia, so we’ve located numerous artifacts associated with the use of opium.” Chinatown was formerly located from just around Mineral Palace to down to the intersection of Historic Main Street and Pioneer Way. “However, there were Chinese businesses located throughout early Deadwood, such as on Sherman Street,

Upper Main, and though, while there was a concentration of Chinese businesses and dwellings in what is known as Chinatown, the Chinese community was not segregated to that area, but it had businesses throughout Deadwood.” The Chinese came to Deadwood following the gold rush in the mid1870s. While some were miners, most engaged in service businesses and Chinese-owned washhouses and restaurants dotted Deadwood. Chinatown was located at the northern end of Deadwood and today the area is often referred to as the Badlands, as it where all the “bad” groups stayed, i.e., prostitutes, gamblers, outlaws, and ethnic groups. From the late 1870s to the 1910s, Deadwood Chinatown functioned as the social and cultural center for the Chinese immigrants in the entire Black Hills region. By the 1910s most of the Chinese had left the Black Hills due to the decline of the mining industry and the local economy and Deadwood’s Chinatown gradually faded away.

SCHEDULE APRI L

7 HOW I MET YOUR SOUTH DAKOTA WEATHER

KOTA-TV’s Chief Meteorologist, Rhonda Lee, is the most Googled meteorologist in the world, because she changed the world. Lee recognizes safety first and will talk about severe weather safety and much more in a lively conversation.

Event Information: Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center

7 CH A R L E Y CROCK ET T

He’s been called ‘rootsy’, ‘bluesy’, and ‘Americana’ with a tinge of Texas soul and blues. Prolific singer/ songwriter Charley Crockett will bring his remarkably entertaining talents to the Deadwood Mountain Grand stage. Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

FOR K S, COR K S, & K EG S 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. Must be 21 to participate. Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

16 PATS Y’ S DAY

Attention dog and cat lovers! Share in this annual celebration honoring Patsy, the beloved terrier of William Emery Adams. Guests who make a donation of dog/cat food will receive free admissions. All donations benefit the Twin City Animal Shelter. Event Information: Historic Adams House

16 LOC A SH

From hits like “One Big Country Song”, “I Love This Life”, “I Know Somebody” and more, ACM nominated ‘Duo of the Year’, LOCASH will be bringing their high energy live show. Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

M AY

PR E SERVAT ION T H U R SDAY CHRISTMAS? 5 REMEMBER

The presentation by South Dakota Humanities Council’s Speakers Bureau Scholar Phyllis Schrag is a sequel to If You Have to Grow Up, It Might as Well Be in a Small Town and Baseball, Preachers, and Funerals. This “storytelling” type lecture is a humorous yet poignant look at small town life in winter and especially around Christmas. Event Information: Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center

EVENTS

SPRING–SUMMER

PR E SERVAT ION T H U R SDAY

8 & 9

2022

K EN T UCK Y DER BY FOR THE ROSES 7 RUN

Come to Deadwood for our very own Kentucky Derby event weekend! This is Deadwood’s Ultimate Indulgence Weekend with plenty of activities for all to enjoy.

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

8 MOT H ER’ S DAY TOU R S

In honor of Mother’s Day, the Historic Adams House and the Days of ‘76 Museum will offer free admission to visiting mothers. Show your mom how much you love her by sharing a tour of the beautifully restored Victorian home and explore vintage wagons and carriages in Deadwood’s newest museum. Event Information: Historic Adams House

13 TA N YA T UCK ER

Edgy. Classic. Country. A defining voice of music and a modern-day legend, two-time 2020 GRAMMY® winner Tanya Tucker will take the stage at Deadwood Mountain Grand. Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

H A N N UA L SD STAT E POK ER CH A M PIONSH I PS 20 11T — 22

The 2022 South Dakota State Championship Buy-In is $1000+$100. This event has a $100,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool and is part of the Mid-States Poker Tour. Call the Silverado Poker Room to Sign Up up for a Satellite Tournament or the Main Event at 605-578-3670 x664 Event Information: Silverado Franklin

26 PLANT SWAP GARDEN PARTY

Bring one, take one! Get ready for spring by swapping plants, seeds, and supplies with your neighbors while enjoying pie and coffee in the Welcome Center. Event information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

27 CH ELCI E LY N N: T H E TA M M Y TOU R

Chelcie Lynn is a comedian, actress, and internet personality who was recently named one of Variety’s 2021 Top 10 Comics To Watch. She started building a fan base in 2014 when her sketches featuring her alter ego, Trailer Trash Tammy went viral. Her videos have since gained hundreds of millions of views across the internet and have launched her career on screen and in comedy touring. Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

28 — BACK WHEN THEY BUCKED 30

Back When They Bucked will be held in Historic Deadwood, SD at the Day’s of ’76 Rodeo Grounds. The event features PRCA and WPRA Women champions and local champions from across the country. Event information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

J UNE ALL IN FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS SHOW 4 DEADWOOD

This event is stacked with world-renowned professional riders from the X Games, Nitro Circus, and Red Bull X Fighters. Get all in with Strider bike races, giveaways, meet and greets, beer garden, an after party, and more. Event information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce DeadwoodAllIn.com

MICKELSON TR AIL MAR ATHON, HALF-MAR ATHON, AND 4 5-PERSON MAR ATHON RELAY & 5

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

THE TROLLEY ON THE TR AIL 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. The rides are about four hours long. Reservations are required. Each person reserving a space on the trolley will be required to have a handicapped parking permit. One assistant is allowed to accompany the person, if needed. The trolley has space available for up to two people who use wheelchairs. Event information: Mickelson Trail Office

H ER N H I L LS COM M U N I T Y BA N D CONCERT 16 NORT

Break out the red, white and blue for the Northern Hills Community Band Concert. Enjoy live patriotic music and marches, as well as world-famous show tunes on the Adams House lawn. Event Information: Historic Adams House

16— 5T H A N N UA L W I L D BI L L DAYS 18

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! Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

H ISTORY ON T H E L AW N LIES – WILD BILL AND CALAMITY JANE, 17 TRUE CR AZY HORSE, AND CUSTER: WHY DO WE REMEMBER THESE LEGENDS AND IS ANY OF IT TRUE?

If you live as long as Bob Boze Bell has (75 years), you will find that many facts will be disproven, especially in the Western history field. What we believed fifty years ago, turns out to be false. Even more crazy is the fact that the heroes of the last century are the villains of this one! As the Old Vaqueros are fond of saying, “The past is a foreign country. They do things differently there.” Event Information: Historic Adams House

18 W I L D DE A DWOOD R E A DS

A multi-author, multi-genre book signing offers opportunities to interact with authors at The Lodge at Deadwood from 10am to 3 pm! Event information: wilddeadwoodreads.com

S. MCCLINTOCK: FROM PIONEER DAYS 10 TOJOHNDEADWOOD J U LY HISTORIAN 3— GOLD CAMP JUBILEE 4

H ISTORY ON T H E L AW N

Like so many, John S. McClintock arrived in Deadwood in 1876, ready to strike it rich. Unlike many who struck it rich or struck out, McClintock stayed in Deadwood, going on to become a well-known citizen of the new town, starting businesses, a family, a stagecoach line, and more. Come hear about this early Deadwood resident and Black Hills historian from Laura Beard, one of his relatives. Event Information: Historic Adams House

10 & 11

DE A DWOOD PROF E SSIONA L BU L L R I DI NG 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 Day of 76 Event Complex.

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

11 T H E BIG M ICK 2022

Experience the beauty of the Black Hills from the back of your mountain bike on the George S. Mickelson Trail. Ride from Deadwood to Edgemont (109 Miles). Event Information: mickelsontrailaffiliates.com, 605-440-2400

Celebrate Lead’s iconic golden history with a fireworks show over the Open Cut, vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities on historic Main Street. Event information: LeadMeThere.org, 605-584-1100

4 I N DEPEN DENCE DAY PA R A DE

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

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

5 THE TROLLEY ON THE TR AIL

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. The rides are about four hours long. Reservations are required. Each person reserving a space on the trolley will be required to have a handicapped parking permit. One assistant is allowed to accompany the person, if needed. The trolley has space available for up to two people who use wheelchairs. Event information: Mickelson Trail Office

Continued on page 14

Destination Deadwood©

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SEPTEMBER

From page 13

J U LY

10— 15

25 — 30

8T H A N N UA L DE A DWOOD 3-W H EEL ER R A L LY

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

100T H A N N UA L DAYS OF ‘76 RODEO

4 M I DL A N D

They’ve won ACM’s, CMA’s and are nominated for even more in 2022! Midland is bringing their country rock hits back to Deadwood Mountain Grand. Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

6 THE TROLLEY ON THE TR AIL

PRCA Rodeo performances are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

AUGUST

5— 82ND ST URGIS 14

MOTORCYCLE R A LLY T M

This rally is always a roaring good time where anything and everything goes! 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 unique promotions and events being held in town through the week.

Event information: Mickelson Trail Office

A DWOOD A L L I N F R EE ST Y L E MOTOCROSS SHOW 10 DE

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

8 L EGEN D’ S R I DE

Join the 50-mile ride from Deadwood to Sturgis to raise money for regional charities. Celebrities lead the ride to the legendary Buffalo Chip, where a private reception is followed by a headlining concert. Event Information: legendsride.com

24— KOOL DE A DWOOD N I T E S 28

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, featuring the biggest names in rock ‘n roll history.

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

H A PPY TOGET H ER TOU R Six bands – one stage – one night only! The Happy Together Tour featuring the Turtles, Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, The Association, The Vogues and The Cowsills. Event Information: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

F OR MOR E I N F OR M AT ION A B OU T E V E N TS, PL E A SE CON TAC T T H E E V E N T 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 14

Event information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce DeadwoodAllIn.com

16— 32N D A N N UA L DE A DWOOD JA M 17

Watch live, high-energy acts and electrifying performances by national, regional, and local while bidding on an array of pieces by Black Hills artists. A silent auction will coincide with the live auction and continue through Saturday, when the highest bidders will be announced from the main stage.

Event Information: deadwoodjam.com

HOPS A N D HOG S CR AFT BEER FEST 23— DEADWOOD’S 24

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

30 — OK TOBER F E ST 1 OCT.

Enjoy live German Music at the Polkafest, play games and win prizes at the annual Tour de Oktoberfest, and join us for Beer Barrel games. Bring the whole family and join in dancing, free food, and the famous “Wiener Dog Races.”

Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce DeadwoodOktoberfest.com

OCTOBER

6— W I L D W E ST SONG W R I T ER S F E ST I VA L 8 Twenty of the top songwriters and artists come to Deadwood to share their music and their stories. Event Information: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Pret-ty CRAFTY Stories & Photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

Gone are the days of straight-up ordering a Bud Light or house red. With an ever-growing group of consumers pulling craft beer and wine through the pipeline, demanding more choices to please their hops- and grape- based pilsner and Pinot palates, this market is definitely alive and well in Deadwood and the surrounding areas.

DEADWOOD

Deadwood Distilling 645 Main St.

Moonshine on Main Street Deadwood? You got it. With such down-home flavors as cinnamon, vanilla, and apple, to their darker Café S’loonshine, Deadwood Distillery features a Moonshine Tasting Room where folks’ taste buds can try these creations on for good measure.

West River Whiskey Co. 644 Main St.

An eclectic selection of whiskey-themed gifts: BBQ sauces, glassware, apparel, food items, and home to West River Whiskey Co.’s straight bourbon whiskey with the Deadwood logo. Made with Indian corn and featuring apple and cherry wood smoked grains, this bourbon is full of character, double pot distilled, and aged a minimum of four years.

The Brewery at Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer 79 Sherman St.

Deadwood’s first and only local brewery featuring nearly 20 offerings brewed locally, including such beauties as Jacobs Betty Wit, Jacobs Citiva Smash, Jacobs Deadwood Dark Lager, Jacobs Haze of ’76, and Jacobs Homestake IPA, patrons can belly up to the bar or sit at the streetside window and people watch while indulging.

Naughti Wines Tasting Room 692 Main St.

Featuring red, white and rose, sweet,

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

and premium wines made by Naughti Winemakers, Naughti Wines Tasting Room takes all the guesswork out of wine tasting so patrons can relax and enjoy. With custom-tailored tastings, servers hand-select wines, one at a time, based on a person’s palate. Get a flight of six for $6. No reservations needed.

Belle Joli Winery Tasting Room 594 Main St.

Featuring an outdoor patio, Belle Joli Winery Tasting Room in Deadwood encourages you to drink in the beauty of the Black Hills while sampling one of nearly 20 different locally grown awardwinning wine varieties the company offers. Reds, whites, even a pinot and sparkling wines, with selections such as Holiday Cheer, Symphony Notes, and South Dakota Estate Grown Marquette just a few reasons to make a stop here. Continued on page 21

West River Whiskey owners Joel Ellis, left, Julie Koth, and Tom Koth present Deadwood’s Official Whiskey to the public at an in-store launch event.

West River Whiskey Co. launches

Deadwood’s Official Whiskey T

here’s only one specially distilled Deadwood whiskey and West River Whiskey Company, located at 644 Main St., in Deadwood, has it. The official launch of West River Whiskey, Deadwood’s Official Whiskey was held in December 2021 and owner Tom Koth described the spirit as “very smooth.” “It smells great and it’s very smooth sippin’ whiskey,” Koth said. West River Whiskey principals partnered with BlackFork Farms, a South Dakota artisan distillery, to bring West River Whiskey, an 80 proof straight bourbon whiskey to Deadwood.

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

DEADWOOD’S

COURTESY PHOTOS

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

fter 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

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

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 various locations throughout town.

SMOKE

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 featuring • Drinks made with Full Throttle S’loonshine •Live Music

An Italian Steakhouse with New American and Farm to Table influences serving Prime beef, locally raised lamb and fresh caught seafood. All complimented with hand crafted cocktails, martinis and an award winning wine list with over 180 selections from around the world. 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.

SALOON 10 NO.

Saloon No. 10 • 657 Main St., Deadwood • saloon10.com Well-Behaved Dogs Are Welcome 18

featuring Full Throttle S’loonshine Moonshine & Whiskey Tasting

THE PIZZA FACTORY featuring Made to Order Brick Oven Pizza

Sold by the slice or the full pie!

645 Main Street Deadwood • 605-645-6419 Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

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 specialty treat, you can find it all downtown.

SPECTACLE 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.

SOCIALIZE 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 8 & 9 WILD BILLS DAYS : June 16-18 DAYS OF '76 RODEO & HISTORIC PARADES : July 25 – 30 KOOL DEADWOOD NITES : August 24 – 28 DEADWOOD JAM : September 16 & 17 HOPS & HOGS CRAFT BEER FEST : Sept 23 & 24 OKTOBERFEST : Sept 30 – October 1 WILD WEST SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL : October 6 – 8 DEADWEIRD : October 28 & 29

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Famous Fairmont Hotel

Ghost Tour

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.

Tours

Every day at 8:30pm

626 Main St., Deadwood To make a reservation stop in, call 605-578-2205, or visit us on Facebook! Featured on

See more special events on pages 12-14 19

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

From page 15

LEAD

Dakota Shivers Brewing 717 W. Main St.

Featuring locally crafted “Mile High” beers as highly rated as Lead’s elevation, Dakota Shivers features a 5280 Pale Ale, City of Gold Wheat, and Vertical Mile IPA in their tap room.

Jailhouse Taps 215 West Main St.

Serving the finest craft Belgian beers in all of South Dakota, Jailhouse Taps and Brews, located in the lower level of the Historic Town Hall Inn, was once the city jail from 1912 until the early 30s. Beers in stock include Blonde Alibi: Strong Golden Ale, Sheriff’s Saison, Dungeon Drunkard: Dubbel Dark Ale, DD’s Party Girl (a lighter version of Dungeon Drunkard), Snitch’s Reward: Bierre de Gorde. Coming soon: Third Strike: Tripel, Witless Witness: Witbeer.

SPEARFISH

Crow Peak Brewing 125 West Highway 14

With 12 craft beers on tap and three year-round beers produced at Crow Peak Brewing for distribution - 11th Hour, an American style IPA to Canyon Cream, a blonde ale and Pile O’ Dirt, a robust porter, Crow Peak Brewing has been around since 2007 and has grown significantly since its modest five-barrel start. Continuing to brew on this original five-barrel brew system for small batch and one-off styles, Crow Peak Brewing Company produces several seasonal offerings, in addition to the year-round offerings. Although much of the small batch beer they brew is sold directly out of their tap room, they also send out some of these small batch beers to wholesalers so that retail outlets can put on something that is unique but available for a limited time only. Examples of their styles brewed are: lager series (helles, dunkel, schwarzbier, doppelbock), Imperial IPA, a session IPA, Stout, Imperial chocolate coconut porter, Belgian series, an Irish red ale, green chile ale, the ever popular Black Currant Gose and one of our newest – the Tony Milos Breakfast Beer, a vanilla espresso Scotch ale.

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Spearfish Brewing 741 N. Main St.

With such names as Heavily Meditated and Yellow Jacket ale to Bird Bones and Aggressive Goat, Spearfish Brewing Company features award-winning beer in downtown Spearfish. Featuring a rotating selection of 16 modern and classic American craft beers, the vision of Spearfish Brewing is to brew American beer styles that appeal to all beer drinkers. In addition to the lagers like Venner Beer Premium Light that Spearfish Brewing Company is known for, they also have a selection of ale styles like Termes Beer American Wheat and Bobcat Logic Kettle Sour, something every beer drinker to enjoy.

Sawyer Brewing 2537 Yukon Place

Featuring beer to go in the form of 25.4-oz. crowlers or a variety of fourpack 16 oz cans and plenty (nearly 20) ipa, ales, stouts, lagers, sours, hard seltzers, hard coffees, wine, and even homemade root beer, Sawyer Brewing is home to such creations as Strawberry Cheesecake Sour, Cadillac Couch Mexican Lager, and Powder Dayze Session IPA. American Logg-rrr Lager, Skip Chain IPA, and chainsaw Squatch Double IPA could all reference the sawyer roots (a person who saws timber for a living) the family enjoys, hence, the name Sawyer Brewing. Selections from Sawyer Brewing can be found on tap at locations in Rapid City, Spearfish, Lead, Deadwood, Belle Fourche, Whitewood, Hill City, and Custer.

The Knuckle Saloon & Brewing Co. 931 1st. St.

Opening in 2014, this Sturgis brewery gives Rallygoers and locals alike a hometown craft beer experience. Featuring their flagship Knucklehead Red or Knuckle Pipe Welder Porter, along with Knuckle 2nd Street Wheat, Knuckle Runkle Road IPA, and Knuckle Vanocker Blonde.

Belle Joli Winery Sparkling House 3951 Vanocker Canyon Rd.

Experience the exquisite flavors of Belle Joli sparkling wine creations made utilizing traditional champagne methods. The Belle Joli state-of-the-art Sparkling House facility features an outdoor patio that overlooks their fiveacre vineyard, bordering the majestic ponderosa pines of the rugged Black Hills of Sturgis.

DesJarlais Farms & Winery 1335 Ballpark Road

Featuring small batch wines, made from mostly estate grown produce with 100% South Dakota grown fruits and grapes. DesJarlais produces Northern variety grape wines, as well as country wines. White wines include Frontenac Blanc Rose, White Blend, and Edelweiss. Country (fruit) wines include concord, chokecherry, and rhubarb. Red wines include Legacy Red, St. Croix, Sabrevois, Marquette, and Frontenac.

STURGIS

Sturgis Brewing Co. 600 Anna St.

In addition to featuring rotating taps from other brewers around the country, Sturgis Brewing Co. features the following beer selections, all made by hand on site: Red Cut Red Ale, Sturgis Pale Ale, Black Hills Blonde Ale, Runkle Road IPA, Purple Grain, Ski Lodge Lager, Old Man Jack, Crandaddy, and Don’t Pet Tatanka Brown Ale. Wine and Cocktails are also available.

D AYS

7 ' 6

OF to turn

100 22

Story and Photos by Jason Gross

he historic Days of ’76 Rodeo will observe its centennial anniversary Monday, July 25 through Saturday, July 30, in Deadwood. Five PRCA rodeo performances highlight the schedule. Those are set for Wednesday, July 27; Thursday, July 28; Friday, July 29; and two on Saturday, July 30. The historic parade is slated for Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30. Parade lineup begins at the Days of ’76 grounds in Deadwood and proceeds down Main Street to Deadwood Street, past the V.F.W., and back to the Days of ’76 grounds. Celebrations began in 1924 to honor the Deadwood mining camp’s history from its establishment in 1876. Festivities attract local residents as well as tourists.

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Parade entries have featured historic re-enactors, historic horse- and oxdrawn vehicles, and floats celebrating Deadwood’s early history. Excellence serves as a Days of ’76 hallmark, as the rodeo has collected 19 national awards. They include four PRCA Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year honors from 1998 to 2001, which came before 14 consecutive Medium Outdoor Rodeo of the Year awards from 2004 to 2017. Days of ‘76 moved into the Large Outdoor Rodeo category in 2018 and received nominations for the top honor in 2018 and 2019. It received top honors in this category in 2020: its 19th and most recent award. This rodeo is the first in the PRCA to win rodeo awards in all three outdoor categories: small, medium, and large. Its committee entered the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2011. Greg Nelson serves as the Days of ‘76 general chairman. He has sat on the board for 27 years, but his involvement in this event has spanned most of the 50-year-old’s life. Nelson’s earliest memories center on the parades and grand entries, with many people lining the streets. “It’s still one of those celebrations that are kind of like Family Week,”

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Schedule highlights:

July 25: Barrel racing slack, 11 a.m. July 26: Steer roping, 9 a.m. July 27: Timed event slack, 8 a.m.; PRCA rodeo performance (Military Appreciation Night), 7 p.m. July 28: Timed event slack, 8 a.m., PRCA rodeo performance, 7 p.m. July 29: Parade, 1:30 p.m.; PRCA rodeo performance (Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night), 7 p.m. July 30: Parade, 10 a.m.; PRCA rodeo performance, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nelson said. He added many committee members boast a multitude of family members who have served in that capacity. Rodeo growth constitutes one of the biggest changes Nelson has seen over the years. Days of ‘76 was a three-day rodeo right before the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It was moved up to the time around Cheyenne Frontier Days and later ex-

tended to five days. “We’ve added single steer roping, which added another day,” Nelson said in outlining another change. This will be the second straight year that barrel racing slack has the arena to itself. Nelson’s role as general chairman includes relying on those overseeing the grounds, parade, advertising, and rodeo, among others. “We have a great group of people,” Nelson said. “It makes the general chairman job a little easier because those people all do a fabulous job and take care of their business.” Days of ’76 celebration records prepared by Jessica Michak and Jenna Himsl indicate the first Days of ’76 took place Aug. 15-16, 1924. Festivities included a parade, historic re-enactments, horse riding, and facing exhibitions. The rodeo was firmly established in 1929. Early celebrations featured horse riding and horse racing exhibitions, with the gradual addition of rodeo-style events. For many years, the Days of ’76 featured many specialty acts and adjudicated competitions. The rodeo had become the celebration’s premier event by the 1950s.

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

HISTORIC MAIN STREET OUTLAW SQUARE TRAIL

1.5 miles; easy; out and back Originates at Lower Main Visitor Center

FOREST HILLS TRAIL

1.5 miles; easy; loop, steps Originates at Deadwood Public Library

HITthe ( S) ! TRAIL walkable ways

13 U

Historic Deadwood

to enjoy

Story and Photo by Jaci Conrad Pearson

rban trails and backwood byways, Deadwood’s got a little bit of both, and there’s no better time than the present to take them in. “The close proximity of the various walking trails throughout Deadwood provide residents and visitors the opportunity to explore all aspects of the city and surrounding area, including numerous historical viewsheds and sites,” said Deadwood Historic Preservation Officer Kevin Kuchenbecker, whose staff is enhancing ways to promote Deadwood as a “walkable city” and encourage more trail usage. Currently there is a 13-track trajectory identified by city officials which is presently in the process of being marked. The track weaves its way through the

city, and includes the trails on the right of this page, along with known mileage, ranging from one-quarter of a mile to just under six miles, and difficulty level. “Historic Deadwood offers a multitude of trails to navigate via a variety of transportation options,” Kuchenbecker said. “The National Historic Landmark offers an abundance of interpretive panels to learn about Deadwood’s rich and colorful past. Several trails traverse through the charming neighborhoods and the historic core of Deadwood with buildings dating back to the late 19th century. Other trails lead you into wooded areas where you may encounter wildlife up close and personal or have a spectacular panoramic view of the gulch below.”

SAINT AMBROSE CEMETERY BURNHAM TRAIL:

0.6 miles; moderate; loop Originates at Highway 85 & Burnhamp Ave.

DEADWOOD WHITEWOOD BIKE TRAIL

1.5 miles; easy; out & back, connected trails Originates at event complex

DAYS OF ’76 LOOP

0.6 miles; easy; loop, connected trails Originates at event complex

MT. MORIAH BULLOCK TRAIL 0.9 miles; easy; loop, connected trails Originates at Mt. Moriah Visitor Center

PRESIDENTIAL URBAN TRAIL Easy; loop, connected trails Originates at Sherman St.

WHITEROCKS TRAIL

2.4 miles; moderate; loop, connected trails Originates at Sherman & Harrison Streets

POWERHOUSE PARK TRAIL 0.2 miles; easy; out and back Originates at Mickelson Trailhead

MICKELSON TRAIL

109 mile trail — 1.3 miles to Deadwood city limits from Mickelson Trailhead in Sherman Street parking lot

RAILROAD GRADE TRAIL Deadwood portion easy; Out and back or point to point

HOMESTAKE TRAIL

3.2 miles; moderate; out and back Originates near mile marker 109 of Mickelson Trail

CLEVELAND URBAN TRAIL 0.9 miles; easy; out and back, loop Originates at Sherman & Miller Streets

RAILROAD AVENUE URBAN TRAIL

0.7 miles; easy; out and back, loop connected trails Originates at event complex Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Rock Your Workout at

“The Rec”

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PASSES AVAILABLE: Daily • One-month Three-month • Six-month • Annual Check our Adult, Child & Senior Rates!

105 SHERMAN ST. | DEADWOOD | 605.578.3729

7 6

G AT E

MI NE S T.

4 2 1

3 WA

IN SH

N GRA

N G TO

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1) Lead City Dog Park/Lead Kiosk 2) Open Cut Overlook 3) B&M #2 Headframe Story 4) Homestake Mills 5) Railroad History 6) Historic Cleveland Area Overlook 7) Deadwood Fires Story 8) McGovern Hill 9) Deadwood Kiosk 10) Deadwood Trailhead W W W. NOR THERNHILL SREC .ORG

Destination Deadwood

Spring • Summer 2022

Model train

display pays homage to

railroad history Story & Photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

nce you see it, you’ll be going off the rails for this cool train display. This subterranean dream depot of sorts, housed in Deadwood’s Badlands District at 614 Main St., features a significant railway dreamscape, complete with dozens of railway cars, street scenes, and two tracks. Developed by the Northern Hills Railway Society and its members over the years, since the club’s founding in 1987, long-time President Jack Anfinson said to look for a very large historically accurate locomotive train sign that will point visitors in the right direction. “When you come down the stairs, there’s a 70-foot-long hallway with windows down one side of it,” Anfinson said. “And that’s for viewing the trains. You come down, it’s a dollar to run the trains for 10 minutes. It runs two trains in opposite directions.” The work of the Northern Hills Railway Society in expanding the display is funded

through proceeds from the $1 machine and a donation box located in its vicinity. A new attraction for the year surrounds the interpretation of an underground mine. “This is actually a prototype of one of the mines that was in the Black Hills, a small little mine” Anfinson said. “We’re going to have a visible shaft going down, so you can see how they ran the mines, where they had the shaft where the cage would go down bring the ore up and the guys down. We’re going to put a little stope in there of some guys working. One other new display for the year is, well, pretty electrifying. “Our thunderstorm,” Anfinson said. “... the thunderstorm is actually 12 feet wide and eight feet deep. It’s suspended from the ceiling, and it’s got polyfiber clouds, so it looks like clouds and then there are LED strips up there. And when you hit the button, it sends off a thunderstorm sound

file. And then the lightning flashes kind of trigger, according to the sound effects. “ Anfinson said there have been a few small thunderstorm models in various clubs around the United States. “The new technology that is just coming out is pretty good for this stuff, so I decided I was going to play around with it,” he said. “It’s going to be pretty amazing when it’s done.” The last spike was driven on the first loop of the display track Nov. 1, 2000 and building the significant and ever-growing display began then, nearly 22 years ago. “There are two big loops, so the train is continuously running around,” Anfinson said. The display consists of several different mini street scenes, neighborhoods, business districts and local landmarks. “The actual display is about 60 feet long Continued on page 30

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

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(located upstairs)

Carrying the latest fashion trends for men and women! plus we carry XS-3X Sizes!

Open 7 days a week 10am - 9pm 649 Main St., Deadwood • 605-559-0599

From page 28

and 14 feet wide,” Anfinson said. “We have probably at least 500 rolling stock cars, boxcars, oil tankers, coal cars, stuff like that. We probably have 50 locomotives.” The display is DC powered. "Either on or an off," Anfinson said. Anfinson, who has been a member of the Northern Hills Railway Society for 11 years said the work he does on the display is beyond a hobby. “I’ve almost always liked building miniatures,” Anfinson said. “I used to build models when I was a kid. When I moved here, I had some health issues and I needed something to do where I didn’t have to

go anywhere. So this is something that I could sit at home and work on while I was recovering. Then I found the club and joined the club. The more I came, the more I got excited about building things that nobody’s built before. You know, take a bunch of materials and make a building out of it. It’s called scratch building. So I pretty much build everything from scratch. All the scenery. The trees are all handmade by me. All the plaster work.” A self-described history buff, Anfinson said display work offers an added bonus. “Finding out all the history about the railroads here, I’ve been slowly changing some of the scenes in the club to depict some of the scenes in Deadwood and the mining areas,” he said. “Right now, I’m doing the Father De Smet Mine, which

was in Central City, back in the 1880s. I’ve just about got that done. I could spend anywhere from $200 to $500 on a building. Some buildings, it takes weeks to make.” Asked what the official name of the display is, Anfinson was hard-pressed to slap a handle on it. “That’s a good question, because we have this city. We have a farm and we have a mining district and a railroad yard,” Anfinson said. “We have one of the Homestake Mine shafts. I don’t know how you would describe everything together. It’s city, town, industrial, farm, railroad yard. It’s everything, pretty much. The whole world’s view, I guess.” Due to renovations on the main level at 614 Main St., the train exhibit is slated to open in June with an expanded seating area. Look for the large locomotive inside the door to point you in the right direction.

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Deadwood's natural histor y

abounds Story by Jaci Conrad Pearson

old rush history, Buffalo Bill, and Calamity Jane are one good old-fashioned downhome American reason folks flock to Deadwood. But there are also those who are drawn here to see one of America’s greatest feats of nature, the Black Hills rising up out of the plains, an island in the plains, filled with rocks millions of years old, rills that run the gamut, woods so dense they appear to be black and gently rolling hills with features so beautiful and breathtaking they’re heavenly. If you’re in the former group, enjoy immersing yourself in our town’s living history. If you’re in the latter group, let’s just say, you’ve arrived. Welcome to Deadwood, nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, and all its fabulous natural finery – and history. Sacred to the Sioux, when people think of the Black Hills, they usually think of the bountiful and beautiful conifer forest that gives the Hills their Lakota name, Paha Sapa, “hills that are black.” To the Sioux, the Black Hills are the center of the world, the place of the gods, where warriors would go to wait for visions and to speak to the Great Spirit. Located on the Missouri Plateau of the Great Plains, the Black Hills were formed by an uplift of rock marked by volcanic activity in the northern Black

Hills, a mountain-building episode responsible for the uplift and current topography of the Black Hills region. The uplift came through the overlying rock strata millions of years ago and this dome-like uplift has a central core of granite rock, surrounded by deeply eroded sedimentary deposits. The Black Hills extend about 124 miles, north to south, and 62 miles, east to west. At 7,247 feet above sea level, Black Elk Peak, the highest point of the Black Hills, is the granite central core of the upthrust. Formerly known as Harney Peak, this formation is the highest point in the United States east of the Rockies. From there, the rock layers of the Black Hills appear in rings, like a target, and the center, or the bullseye, is this granite core, with rings of different rock types emanating from the center. The base of the Hills is at about 3,200 feet above sea level. The core of the Black Hills has been dated to 1.8 billion years, with other localized deposits that have been dated to around 2.2 to 2.8 billion years. So when folks say “as old as the Hills,” they could very well be referring to the Black Hills! That said, the Black Hills began their development over 600 million years ago, during the Paleozic era. For several hundred million years, the area was a vast shallow sea, in which layer after layer of marine sedimentary deposits accumulated. The granite of the Black Hills was

formed by magma. The first ring around the core was formed by sedimentary deposits. Then there was a collision which caused the original sedimentary rocks to fold and twist into a vast mountain range. At the beginning of the Cenozoic era, about 50 to 60 million years ago, the westward drift of the continent created the forces that pushed western South Dakota up into a dome-like structure. After this uplift, which took millions of years, streams began to erode the layers of sediments and expose the rock beneath. After that, many layers of deposits and uplifts and erosion have helped form the Black Hills into their current shape. This process formed the Black Hills we see today, with the exposed granite outcroppings surrounded by forest-covered

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

sedimentary deposits. The slow action of wind and water erosion continue to shape the Hills today. From the surrounding prairie through the foothills to Black Elk Peak, each stratum rises in regular order, from shales to gypsum, sandstone, schists, limestones, and granite. As erosion folds them back, these layers afford an unusual opportunity to study the geological formations underlying the region. Students from around the world flock to the Black Hills to study these rock formations. The rock called the Deadwood Formation is mostly sandstone and was the original source of gold found in the Deadwood area. In the late 1800s, during Deadwood’s gold rush days, at first, prospectors discovered placer gold, which are loose gold pieces that were mixed in with the rocks and dirt around streams. The gold naturally occurred in quartz/rock formations and thousands of years of erosion released the placer gold. Above the Deadwood Formation lies the Englewood Formation and Pahasa-

pa limestone, the source of the more than 200 caves found in the Black Hills. The Minnelusa Formation, composed of highly variable sandstones and limestones, is next, followed by the Opeche shale and the Minnekahta limestone. The next rock layer, the Spearfish Formation, forms a valley around the hills called the Red Valley and is often referred to as the Race Track. It is mostly red shale with beds of gypsum and circles much of the Black Hills.

There are a number of other layers that comprise the Black Hills, mostly made of shale, sandstone, limestone, and chalk. The Black Hills region produces a number of minerals, including gold, silver, lead, copper, iron ore, tin, petroleum, salt, coal, mica, and gypsum.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEIDI WATSON, WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

tours of

Deadwood Story & Photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

f you’re interested in delving head-long and head-first into Deadwood’s hidden history, a great place to begin your antiquity-laden quest is with one of the town’s guided tours. Whether it’s a bus ride featuring commentary on your trip through town and more information on Deadwood’s historic architecture and landmarks, a narrat-

ed bus trip up to Boot Hill to visit the final resting place of Wild Bill and other infamous former Deadwood residents, or a guided walking tour of downtown Deadwood with one of our beloved Deadwood Alive! troupe members. One thing’s for sure, you’ll walk away from this experience a little bit wiser to the ways of Deadwood’s pioneering forefathers (and mothers).

Alkali Ike Tours 657 Main St.

Ride an air conditioned motor coach through the history of Deadwood’s Main Street, the old homes in Deadwood’s –“Nob Hill” then into beautiful Mt. Moriah Cemetery high above this historic town. After visiting the graves of Deadwood’s famous characters --

Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Potato Creek Johnny, Preacher Smith and others -- it’s back on the coach to the overlook for great photos of Deadwood below. Departs from Old Style Saloon No. 10. No tours on Sundays.

Boot Hill Tours 3 Siever St.

Great viewing from open air bus and sightseeing of Deadwood with endorsement by Lawrence County Historical Society. Includes tour of city, resting place of Calamity & Wild Bill and spectacular view from Mt. Moriah. One-hour narrated, entertaining

mix of humorous facts, history, and adventure. Departing from Deadwood History & Information Center, 3 Siever St. 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. (times may occasionally vary).

Lawman’s Patrol: Guided Walking Tour

677 Main St.

Original Deadwood Tour 677 Main St.

This is a narrated hour-long bus tour of Deadwood, Tatanka and Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Weather permitting, departs from Midnight Star at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday

Patrol the streets of Historic Deadwood with some of its first lawdogs who will guide you through time on this multi-stop walking tour of the National Historic Landmark District. Learn about the discovery of gold, brothels and saloons, the town’s unique architecture, legendary characters who walked these same streets and the massive destruction caused by numerous fires and floods. This tour requires walking, long

periods of standing and navigating stairs and must be booked 24 hours in advance. Tour lasts between 45 minutes and one hour and operates six days a week, Mon.-Sat. during peak season and on Friday and Saturday during the spring and fall seasons. Tickets are $15 per person, minimum two, maximum 10. Tour departs from the Midnight Star on Historic Main Street.

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

Come for the food,

Stay for the fun!

Sports Bar & Grill • Full bar with 12 beers on tap • Sports wagering • Late-night food • Outdoor dining • Trolley stop in front • Parking ramp directly behind 634 Main St., Deadwood (605) 578-2025

Destination Deadwood©

Spring • Summer 2022

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 PHOTO COURTESY DEADWOOD HISTORY into the past and discover a rare plesiosaur, the mysterious Thoen Stone, impressive collections of paintings, guns, photos, minerals, and Native American artifacts.

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.

PHOTO COURTESY DEADWOOD HISTORY

OCTOBER – APRIL Wednesday–Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. M AY – S E P T E M B E R Daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WINTER HOURS (THROUGH APRIL) Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday & Sunday. SU M M E R H O U R S (M AY – S E P T E M B E R ) 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.

WINTE R HOURS By reservation only. Call (605) 722-4875 or (605) 584-1326 SU M M E R (M AY – S E P T E M B E R ) Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BROKEN BOOT GOLD MINE 1200 Pioneer Way, Deadwood www.deadwoodhistory.com

(605) 722-4800

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.

DAYS OF ‘76 MUSEUM

18 Seventy Six Dr., Deadwood www.deadwoodhistory.com

(605) 578-1657

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-squarePHOTO COURTESY DEADWOOD HISTORY foot 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. S PR I N G & FA LL S C H E D U LE Free shows Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 4:20 p.m. at Outlaw Square SU M M E R S C H E D U LE M AY 21 – S E P T E M B E R 24 Free shows daily (except Sunday) on Historic Main Street from noon to 6 p.m. SH O OTOUTS 2 p.m. Wild Bill Bar/Celebrity Hotel 4 p.m. Big Dipper/Saloon #10 6 p.m. Outlaw Square/Franklin Hotel

COURTESY PHOTO

M E M O R I A L DAY W E E K E N D TO L A B O R DAY W E E K E N D 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Spring • Summer 2022

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.

HOMESTAKE ADAMS RESEARCH & CULTURAL CENTER 150 Sherman St., Deadwood www.deadwoodhistory.com

(605) 722-4800

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. M O N DAY – FR I DAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment

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 feaCOURTESY PHOTO tures many historic proSUM M E R H OUR S (M AY- O C TO B E R) grams, entertainment, and Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. special events. Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. WI NTE R H OUR S : Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Sunday & Monday Closed

HISTORIC ADAMS HOUSE 22 Van Buren Ave., Deadwood

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. Time seems to have stood still, for today the ornate woodwork, murals and brightly painted advertising on the art curtain are throw-backs. COURTESY PHOTO 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. A R T G A LLE RY AU G U S T – M AY Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. J U N E – J U LY Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(605) 578-3724

The Adams House recounts the real tragedies and triumphs of two of the community’s founding families. 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. O C TO B E R & A PR I L Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 4p.m.; closed Monday and Sunday W I N T E R H O U R S Closed November – March Open for specialty tours and group tours SU M M E R H O U R S (M AY – S E P T E M B E R ) Daily 9 a.m.-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. COURTESY PHOTO 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. TO U R S AVA I L A B LE Monday – Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday by appointment

SEE MORE ATTRACTIONS ON NEXT PAGE Destination Deadwood

Spring • Summer 2022

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) . PHOTO COURTESY SD TOURISM

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

W I N T E R H O U R S Open with limited maintenance MEMORIAL DAY TO MID - OCTOBER HOURS Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MT. ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL

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.

2.5 miles from Deadwood on US Hwy 85

PHOTO COURTESY SD TOURISM

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. 9 A . M . TO 5 P. M . DA I LY Tours available.

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. COURTESY PHOTO 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. M AY 17 – O C TO B E R 31 Monday – Saturday 10 a.m to 4 p.m. N OV E M B E R 1 – M AY 5 Friday – Sunday 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. COURTESY PHOTO This is a family-friendly show where the selected members of the audience participate in the performance serving as jurors in the trial. M AY 21 – S E P T E M B E R 24 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.

Spring • Summer 2022

Seth Bullock

James Butler Hickok

“Wild Bill”

1837 – 1876

side 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.

1849 – 1919

eth 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.

Spring • Summer 2022

Martha Jane Canary

Charles H. Utter

“Calamity Jane”

“Charlie”

1838 – 1912 (est.)

olorado” 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

otato 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 7.75 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.

Spring • Summer 2022

1852 – 1903

alamity 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.

A Weekend Away

MILES TO DEADWOOD

Belle Fourche, SD...........................28 Cody, WY........................................421 Crazy Horse Mountain.................57 Custer State Park...........................65 Denver, CO.....................................395 Devils Tower, WY...........................90 Edgemont, SD................................112 Harney Peak....................................60 Hill City, SD......................................45 Hot Springs, SD..............................95 Keystone, SD....................................55 Mt. Coolidge....................................76 Mt. Rushmore.................................60 Newcastle, WY................................68

Orman Dam.....................................30 Pierre, SD.......................................220 Rapid City, SD.................................42 Rapid City Regional Airport...............................................52 Sheridan, WY................................211 Sioux Falls, SD..............................395 Spearfish, SD...................................15 Spearfish Canyon..........................16 Ivan Lake..........................................62 Wall Drug..........................................96 West Gate Yellowstone..............557 Wind Cave........................................83 Terry Peak Ski Resorts..................8

Please note mileage is estimated

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Spring • Summer 2022

BLACK HILLS INN & SUITES 206 Mountain Shadow Lane South | 605-578-7791 THE BRANCH HOUSE 37 Sherman Street | 605-559-1400 BUTCH CASSIDY & SUNDANCE KID LUXURY SUITES 57 Sherman Street | 605-343-8126 CEDAR WOOD INN 103 Charles Street | 605-578-2725 CELEBRITY HOTEL 629 Main Street | 605-578-1685 CHEYENNE CROSSING 21415 US Hwy. 14A, Lead | 605-584-3510 COMFORT INN & SUITES 225 Cliff Street | 605-578-7550 DEADWOOD GULCH GAMING RESORT 304 Cliff Street/Hwy 85 | 605-578-1294 | 1-800-695-1876 DEADWOOD KOA CAMPGROUND 11484 US Hwy. 14A | 800-562-0846 | 605-578-3830 DEADWOOD MINERS HOTEL 137 Charles Street | 605-578-1611 DEADWOOD MOUNTAIN GRAND-A HOLIDAY INN RESORT 1906 Deadwood Mountain Drive | 605-559-0386 DEADWOOD STATION BUNKHOUSE & GAMBLING HALL 68 Main Street | 605-578-3476 DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON IN CADILLAC JACKS 360 Main Street | 605-571-1245 FIRST GOLD GAMING RESORT 270 Main Street | 605-578-9777 | 800-274-1876 FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON AT TIN LIZZIE 555 Main Street | 605-791-5020 GOLD COUNTRY INN 801 Main Street | 605-578-2393 HAMPTON BY HILTON AT TIN LIZZIE 531 Main Street | 605-578-1893 HICKOK’S HOTEL & CASINO 685 Main Street | 605-578-2222 HISTORIC BULLOCK HOTEL 633 Main Street | 605-578-1745 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES 22 Lee Street | 605-578-3330 THE HOTEL BY GOLD DUST 25 Lee Street | 605-559-1400 IRON HORSE INN DEADWOOD 27 Deadwood Street | 605-717-7530 THE LODGE AT DEADWOOD GAMING RESORT 100 Pine Crest Lane | 605-584-4800 MARTIN MASON HOTEL 33 Deadwood Street | 605-722-3456 MINERAL PALACE HOTEL & GAMING COMPLEX 601 Main Street | 605-578-2036 SILVERADO FRANKLIN HISTORIC HOTEL & GAMING COMPLEX 709 Main Street | 605-578-3670 SPEARFISH CANYON LODGE 10619 Roughlock Falls Road, Lead | 605-584-3435 | 877-975-6343 SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT AT CADILLAC JACKS 322 Main Street | 605-559-1600 SUPER 8 DEADWOOD 196 Cliff Street | 605-578-2535 TRAVELODGE AT FIRST GOLD 250 Main Street | 605-717-7181 TRU BY HILTON AT CADILLAC JACKS 372 Main Street | 605-571-1001 WHISTLER GULCH CAMPGROUND 235 Cliff Street | 800-704-7139 | 605-578-2092

Spring • Summer 2022 2021

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LARGE GROUP SP.

INTERNET ACCESS

GUEST LAUNDRY

EXERCISE ROOM

PETS ALLOWED

KITCHENETTE

HANDICAP ACC.

HOT TUB

POOL

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BREAKFAST

Your Deadwood experience starts here

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FULL BAR

WINE/BEER ONLY

DINNER

LUNCH

BREAKFAST

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

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Spring • Summer 2022

777 CASINO AT HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS 665 Main Street | 605-578-3330 BUFFALO BODEGA GAMING COMPLEX 662 Main Street | 605-578-1300 CADILLAC JACK’S GAMING RESORT 360 Main Street | 605-578-1500 CELEBRITY HOTEL & CASINO 629 Main Street | 605-578-1685 DEADWOOD GULCH GAMING RESORT 304 Cliff Street/Hwy 85 | 605-578-1294 | 1-800-695-1876 DEADWOOD MOUNTAIN GRAND CASINO 1906 Deadwood Mountain Drive | 605-559-0386 | 877-907-4726 DEADWOOD STATION BUNKHOUSE & GAMBLING HALL 68 Main Street | 605-578-3476 | 855-366-6405 DEADWOOD SUPER 8 - LUCKY 8 GAMING 196 Cliff Street | 605-578-2535 FIRST GOLD GAMING RESORT 270 Main Street | 605-578-9777 | 800-274-1876 GOLD COUNTRY INN GAMBLING HALL & CAFE 801 Main Street | 605-578-2393 | 800-287-1251 GOLD DUST CASINO 688 Main Street | 605-578-2100 HICKOK’S HOTEL & CASINO 685 Main Street | 605-578-2222 HISTORIC BULLOCK HOTEL CASINO 633 Main Street | 605-578-1745 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS 22 Lee Street | 605-578-3330 IRON HORSE INN CASINO 27 Deadwood Street | 605-717-7530 THE LODGE AT DEADWOOD GAMING RESORT 100 Pine Crest Lane | 605-584-4800 | 877-393-5634 MIDNIGHT STAR 677 Main Street | 605-578-1555 MINERAL PALACE HOTEL & GAMING COMPLEX 601 Main Street | 605-578-2036 | 800-847-2522 MR. WU'S 560 Main St. | 605-717-2598 MUSTANG SALLY’S CASINO 634 Main Street | 605-578-2025 SALOON NO. 10 CASINO 657 Main Street | 605-578-3346 | 800-952-9398 SILVERADO FRANKLIN HISTORIC HOTEL & GAMING COMPLEX 709 Main Street | 605-578-3670 | 800-584-7005 TIN LIZZIE GAMING RESORT 555 Main Street | 605-578-1715 | 800-643-4490 VFW POST 5969 GAMBLING 10 Pine Street | 605-722-9914 WOODEN NICKEL CASINO 9 Lee Street | 605-578-1952

TROLLEY SCHEDULE

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SPORTS WAGERING

ROULETTE/KENO CRAPS (R/K/C)

24 HOUR

$1,000 BET LIMIT

BLACK JACK

POKER

SLOTS

Try your hand at Deadwood’s card tables and slot machines

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September - May

Sun. – Thurs. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Fri. – Sat. 8 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Memorial Day - Labor Day

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:

Spring • Summer 2022