DEADWOOD SOUTH DAKOTA

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We arrived in Deadwood SD in the early afternoon of July 12th. Deadwood reminded me somewhat of Gatlinburg Tennessee. I was very disappointed when I found out that the original Deadwood of Wild Bill Hickock, Wyatt Earp and Calamity Jane fame no longer existed. Deadwood has had several fires since 1879 that have virtually destroyed the original town. There are signs showing the places where Wild Bill Hickock was killed and his killer Jack McCall was captured but the saloon where Hickok actually died no longer exists. We visited Mt. Moriah cemetery where Wild Bill Hickok was buried alongside Calamity Jane. It is hard to separate the myths from the facts surrounding the lives of these two historical figures. We know that Hickok fought for the Union as a scout and a spy during the Civil War. He was a stagecoach driver, lawman, a marksman, actor, gunslinger and a gambler. Because of failing eyesight he pretty much gave up everything except for gambling and he died while playing cards in Deadwood when Jack McCall, an unlucky gambler shot him in the back of the head. 

 Calamity Jane, born Martha Jane Cannary became an orphan at the age of 14 and was responsible for raising her 5 younger siblings. She worked as a dishwasher, cook, waitress, dance hall girl, nurse, prostitute, and an ox team driver. Jane also claimed to be a scout for the army but there is no record of that other than her word. Much of her exploits are known because of an autobiography that she wrote but much of it cannot be verified. As far as it is known she met Wild Bill Hickok in 1876 when he moved to Deadwood. She dressed as a man much of the time. Jane had a pretty severe drinking problem which contributed to her eventual death. There are two stories about why Calamity Jane is buried next to Hickok. Four men knew that Hickok didn't like her and as a joke buried Jane next to him. Then there is an account that her last request was to be buried next to him. Whatever story is true Calamity Jane ended up being buried next to Wild Bill Hickok. Mt. Moriah cemetery is on a steep hill and it is a pretty good climb but well worth the effort.

My wife Debbie and Russell


Russell with a gunslinger

Debbie, Melanie, me, Kenny, Blaine, Robbie, Russell, Lisa, and Rob



Blaine






Saloon # 10 built on the spot where Wild Bill Hickok was killed




Mt Moriah Cemetery

Mt Moriah Cemetery

Mt Moriah cemetery


Mt Moriah cemetery


Wild Bill Hickok



Wild Bill's grave



Calamity Jane



Calamity Jane's grave




 



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