Deadwood

Town and administrative headquarters of Lawrence County, west South Dakota; population (1990) 1,800. It is situated 43 km/27 mi northwest of Rapid City, in the Black Hills; much of the town clings to steep canyon walls. Deadwood is also a trading centre for the surrounding mining and cattle ranching area. Jewellery, gold, quartz, and cyanide are all produced. Tourism is also very important to the local economy.

Founded in 1876 during the gold rush, Deadwood was a frontier boom town that became emblematic of the Old West. The graves of Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, and Deadwood Dick are in Mount Moriah Cemetery, which is also known as Boot Hill. Buildings have been restored, and the entire downtown is a National Landmark. Gambling is legal, and there are historical museums, street ‘gunfights’, a steam-powered railroad, and gold mine tours. A ‘Days of 76’ celebration featuring rodeos and parades is held annually. The town took its name from Deadwood Gulch, which had been burned over.