2019-01-16 16:47:40
WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LEGENDS Come let loose in Deadwood. Their roots go back to 1876 when outlaws, gamblers and gunslingers came to town looking for gold and a good time. They still know how to have a good time today. From modern-day casinos, full-service spas, big-name concerts and some of the best parties in the entire U.S. Become a part of the excitement that this small town is known for. HISTORIC DEADWOOD The discovery of gold in the southern Black Hills in 1874 set off one of the greatest gold rushes in America. In 1876, miners moved into the northern Black Hills. That’s where they came across a gulch full of dead trees and a creek full of gold, and Deadwood was born. Practically overnight, the tiny gold camp boomed into a town that played by its own rules. It attracted legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Potato Creek Johnny, Seth Bullock and Poker Alice, who earned their notoriety in this tiny Black Hills town. Deadwood has survived three major fi es and economic hardships, pushing it to the verge of becoming another Old West ghost town. DEADWOOD’S GLORY ROAD Luckier than most with its proximity to the Homestake Gold Mine, the nation’s most productive gold mine for over 100 years, Deadwood managed to avoid the pitfalls and snares along the glory road. But by the late 1980s, the ride that began as a wild and rowdy, gold-fueled rampage was steadily grinding to a halt. Lady Luck was about to fold up her hand. As the community leaders surveyed the vacant downtown, the cracked pavements and the dwindling trickle of traffic, the decision was made to deal Deadwood a new hand. Town promoters succeeded in getting a constitutional amendment to allow limited-stakes gambling on the ballot. In November 1989, voters overwhelmingly approved the measure. Deadwood was reborn. That big vote of confidence was based on South Dakota’s enthusiasm for protecting and preserving Deadwood’s heritage. Events like the Days of ’76 Parade and Rodeo, held annually in July, had kept history alive through good times and bad. Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and other legendary characters were permanent residents, with their gravestones at Mount Moriah Cemetery, high above Deadwood, an eternal reminder of the town’s remarkable place in American history. Proponents of limited stakes gambling promised to dedicate revenue to restoring and preserving this national historic treasure, as well as help fund other preservation efforts around the region and state. With the return of gaming, Deadwood was back on a golden road — ready to make history again. Over the years, revenues from the town’s gaming halls have turned Deadwood into a national template on how to restore and rejuvenate towns “with a past.” Today, the community is one of only a handful in America designated as a National Historic Landmark. A citywide, self-guided walking tour allows visitors to discover the nooks and crannies of yesteryear. From the Victorian homes perched on the steep slopes surrounding the downtown area to the magnifi ent exteriors and glittering interiors of the grand brick structures along historic Main Street, history is undoubtedly Deadwood’s backdrop. The brick-paved streets, period lighting and old-fashioned trolleys further enhance the Old West atmosphere. Pick up the free guide that accompanies the walking tour at an information center or City Hall. THINGS TO DO Deadwood is not your ordinary historic town. Sidewalk shops, like Dahl’s Deadwood Chainsaw Art, museums, artifacts and tours keep visitors coming back for more. You’ll find scores of low-cost or free attractions throughout the town. Some of the West’s most colorful characters now “rest in peace” at Mount Moriah Cemetery, high above Main Street. Along with Wild Bill and Calamity Jane, the graves of Madam Dora DuFran, Potato Creek Johnny, Preacher Smith, Seth Bullock and Colorado Charlie Utter are located at this historic cemetery. Stop at Deadwood’s interpretive sites to get an idea of how the town looked when these larger-than-life personalities traipsed the downtown boardwalks. Learn more when you visit the Adams Museum, which displays artifacts from Deadwood’s notorious past, a folk art collection, Lakota bead and quillwork and much more. Take the fascinating tour of the Historic Adams House. The late mayor’s home has been perfectly preserved as it stood in 1936, including original furnishings and personal items. Stroll through the Days of ‘76 Museum, which highlights the town’s annual award-winning rodeo celebration. The museum also housed unique western exhibits from the Don Clowser Collection and the region’s largest horse-drawn vehicle collection. Board The Original Deadwood Tour bus for a citywide tour, that conveniently loads on Historic Main Street. Rambunctious driverguides will tell you the whole Deadwood saga as you wind through side streets and do a low-gear climb to Mount Moriah Cemetery. You can learn more about Deadwood at the new Welcome Center. During the summer months, Deadwood history roams the streets as re-enactors perform free daily shows and shootouts at various locations on Main Street. In the evening, those re-enactors perform the Trial of Jack McCall, a stage play based on the real trial of Wild Bill’s murderer. The trial’s performance has been part of Historic Deadwood’s entertainment lineup since the 1920s, making it one of the longest-running stage shows in the nation. A mile north of town, journey through an authentic Lakota encampment at Kevin Costner’s Tatanka: Story of the Bison. There you can view a spectacular, larger-than-life bronze sculpture featuring 14 bison pursued by three Native American horseback riders — frozen in motion in a beautiful, high-prairie setting. GAMING In Deadwood, you can be a player 24/7. Play the latest slots, live table games, roulette, craps and keno at a variety of casinos and resort hotels located on Historic Main Street and just off the cobblestone strip. Find $1,000 bet limits, limitless fun and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for high stakes gamers or first time players. Not all casinos in Deadwood offer the same games so be sure to have fun playing them all. From daily re-enactments and sawdust on the floor to live music and karaoke, every Deadwood property has its own personality. You’ll find historic buildings that still feature grand staircases, crystal chandeliers and Old West charm. You’ll also discover casinos and resorts with day spas, concert venues, shopping, full-service restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Take your pick. SPECIAL EVENTS Deadwood didn’t make history being well behaved. Their events are wild. That’s why travel website, Thrillist, named Deadwood one of the best party towns in America. Rodeos, food and wine festivals, songwriters festivals, professional snowmobile racing, pub crawls and big-name concerts — there’s always something happening in Deadwood. Wild Bill Days, held in June, pays tribute to the man whose stay here helped build the town’s fame and fortune. July brings 3-wheelers, or trikes, together to explore the region during the annual Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally. At the end of the month, the Days of ’76 Rodeo brings fie days of PRCA rodeo action, real-life cowboys, national entertainers and historic parades to Deadwood. In August, pull out your poodle skirt and fuzzy dice for Kool Deadwood Nites. This event brings thousands of motorheads to town for four days full of classic cars, classic music and classic fun. Music lovers flock to the Deadwood Jam in September. Top touring acts take the stage during this two-day music festival. Come October, Deadwood transforms into Deadweird for an unforgettable Halloween celebration. Make plans to warm up in the cooler months with events like the New Year’s Eve celebration, Mardi Gras parade and St. Patrick’s Day weekend festivities. For Deadwood business listings, turn to page 142.
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