Tag: old west

A Wild Time in the Wild, Wild West

©2021 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

In 1876, outlaws, gamblers and gunslingers like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane arrived in Deadwood in search of gold and a wild time in the wild, wild west! Coming across a gulch full of dead trees and an abundance of gold, it is where they made their life and where they subsequently met their death.

Today, Deadwood is a place where visitors still flock to make their fortune in the casinos, but also to experience the countless activities and attractions that can be found in this small city.

Deadwood was not on my radar when I arrived in South Dakota. In fact, the only time I had ever really heard the name was as the title of an HBO American Western television series that aired from 2004-2006. When seeking ideas from others on things to do, the usual attractions came up, but so did Deadwood. Doing a quick search, I discovered many exciting things but I knew I would have to be selective as my time would be limited.

Parking at the Visitor’s Center, I ventured inside hoping to get some maps and brochures. Instead, I received some wonderful information from the lady who worked there. The most valuable being that Mount Moriah Cemetery was still open.

Having just driven there a few minutes earlier, I had found the gates closed and assumed that it, along with many other attractions, was closed for the season. Discovering that I could park and enter the side path next to the closed gates, I headed back in that direction.

This final resting place of western legends, murderers, madams and pillars of Deadwood’s early economic development is built on a hill overlooking the city. Walking along the paved paths in the late afternoon light, I quickly found the gravesites of Wild Bill and Calamity Jane. The cemetery is laid out in terraces, on multiple hillsides and is fairly easy to navigate. The most heartbreaking section, however, is toward the rear where there are many small headstones of children who died of the smallpox, scarlet fever and diphtheria epidemics from 1878 to 1880.

Also at the rear of the graveyard is a beautiful bird’s eye view of Deadwood Gulch. The American flag that flies at this point is never lowered to honor all veterans who have served our country. Another section near this area is Potter’s Field where there are many unclaimed and unknown dead. Keep an eye out amongst the trees for the numerous deer that like to hang out in the cemetery.

A visit to the cemetery should take about forty-five minutes to an hour. During the high season when the Mount Moriah Cemetery Visitor Center is open, there is a fifteen minute video and information about the cemetery history, native and introduced plant species, cemetery symbolism and death statistics within Deadwood from 1875 to 1900.

Driving back towards town, I knew that it was nearing the closing hour for many of the museums and shops. I decided to secure parking at the Visitor’s Center and take a walk through the picturesque downtown, a National Historic Landmark.

Starting at the southwest part of Main Street, I made my way northward, meandering past numerous shops, hotels, casinos, restaurants and bars all residing in well preserved Gold Rush-era architecture. My favorite discoveries were the amazing chainsaw art at Dahl’s and in front of the Four Aces Casino where I found the city’s statue of Wild Bill Hickok. After hanging out with Will Bill for a few moments, I wandered back up Main Street, enjoying the ambiance of the twilight and the awakening of the Deadwood night.

The idea of staying into the evening and finding a nice place to enjoy dinner and drinks was extremely appealing, however, with almost an hour’s drive ahead of me, I decided to head home and see what cool nightlife I could find in Rapid City’s downtown.

If you are visiting South Dakota, a trip to Deadwood should warrant more than an afternoon, since there is so much to experience. The Deadwood Brothel, The Broken Boot Gold Mine, The Days of ’76 Museum, Mount Moriah Cemetery, a little bit of gambling and much more…I was short of time, but you shouldn’t be!

My mild time could be your wild time! Make it happen!

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Deadwood Visitor’s Center

  • Address: 1-99 Siever St, Deadwood, SD 57732-1366
  • Hours: Summer, 0800-1900, Winter, 0800-1700. Restrooms and trolley waiting room. Free parking.
  • Admission: free

Mt. Moriah Cemetery

Wild Bill Hickok Memorial Statue

  • Address: 531 Lower Main Street, Deadwood, South Dakota 57732
  • Hours: 24 hours, daily
  • Admission: free

Dahls Chainsaw Art

  • Address: 596 Main Street, Deadwood, South Dakota 57732

The Road Less Traveled

©2021 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

The interstate is usually the way to travel for efficiency, but sometimes, the most picturesque scenery is on the highways and backroads.

Veteran’s Day is one that is taken very seriously in Wyoming and South Dakota. Though it worked in my favor at Devil’s Tower, gaining me free admission, it also made it a bit difficult to find a place to have lunch. In a area of the state, where there isn’t an abundance of fast food, the best option is to support the local establishments and on this day, some of the few available were closed in observance.

Instead of heading back to the interstate, I decided to head over to the nearby town of Hulett, grab a bite to eat and then take route 24 to Belle Fourche, South Dakota, my next stop.

What a great detour! There’s no other way to put it…Huelett resembles a movie set. If the main street was made of dirt, you would almost expect to see covered wagons and horseback riders passing through and securing their rides to hitching posts. Filled with charm and only 445 residents, it is actually one of the larger towns in the area and where you would hang your hat if you desire to spend the night near Devil’s Tower.

A general store, market, campground, two hotels, museum, art gallery and restaurants are all available here. It’s also a good place to fill up your tank before heading out on the open roads.

After grabbing a quick bite to eat, I began my trek back to South Dakota.

The day was bright and sunny and generally a beautiful, scenic drive. Occasionally, I ran into historic markers detailing past events like Custer’s 1874 Expedition. Over 1,000 men were sent under the direction of General George Armstrong Custer in 1874 to these Black Hills, to scout for a new fort location. The discovery of gold, however, had major impact on the area with miners rushing to harvest the bounty and ultimately helping to open the northeast Wyoming Territory to settlement, with towns like Hulett and others springing up quickly.

Now, if I thought Hulett was a tiny town, Aladdin was even smaller…population 15! Standing at the crossroads of routes 24 and 11 is the Aladdin General Store which dates back to 1896 and was originally called the Wyoming Mercantile. It is now the heart of the community.

About one and a half miles east of the town is the Aladdin Coal Tipple, a historical site which dates back to the late 1800s. The area is fenced off for safety reasons, but placards provide an overview of the coal mining in the area and the purpose of the tipple. There is a small parking area and a path leading up the hill for a different view of the hoist house and the opening of the mine.

Jumping back on route 24, I continued my journey until I reached the South Dakota border once again. Though I had to adhere to a tight schedule due to the shortened winter day, I still had a few stops planned in South Dakota.

Wyoming had not been in my original plans, but I am glad that I was pointed in that direction. There were many areas of geological interest that I had to pass by, due to lack of time, like the Vore Buffalo Jump. Wyoming is home to many dinosaur and paleontology attractions throughout the state such as the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, the University of Wyoming Geological Museum, the Tate Geological Museum at Casper College and the Paleon Museum in Glenrock. And of course, 96 percent of the amazing Yellowstone Park is located in Wyoming. There is a lot to see and do!

Time to make a plan for my return trip!

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Hulett, Wyoming

Aladdin, Wyoming