Deadwood is a real town, and was one of the most famous cowboy settlements that was started illegally in the 1870's on land that had been promised the the Native Americans on the 1868 treaty.
Gambling and prostitution businesses soon came into town, proving a profitable business Deadwood soon grew.
In 1877 the Gem theatre saloon was opened by Al Swearengen and was burned down twice after being rebuilt. Causing Swearenegen to leave the town, being found dead and penniless on the road. An image of the Gem in its prime is below.
This town witnessed some of the most historic moment in history, including the murder of the famous Wild Bill Hickok, and he, as well as his murderer Jack McCall, as well as Clamity Jane are all laid to rest in the town. It also was built by some more famous western names such as Seth Bullock, E. B Farnum, Sol Star, Martha Bullock, A. W Merrick, Samuel Fields, Aaron Dunn, Valentine McGillycuddy, Reverent Henry Weston Smith and Charlie Utter. These incredible events were displayed in the HBO t.v show made about the town called ' Deadwood'. A promotional image is below.
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The town is still standing, despite being fallen to a smallpox epidemic, a fire in 1879 destroyed more than 300 buildings, and another in 1959 destroyed more than 4,500 acres of the town. There is an image of the town today below.
This town was full of exiting and dangerous characters. People who were so engaging they have been remembered over 140 years later. The people, struggles and exiting times of the many rises, and falls of Deadwood is something I would like to replicate in one of our towns.
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