Thanks to our early Native American and Gold Rush roots, South Dakota is teeming with both historic and awe-inspiring towns, so much so that we almost always make the lists of the most historical towns in America! Today, we are honoring our beloved Deadwood, which was named one of “20 of America’s most historic towns and cities.”
Tucked away in the heart of the Black Hills, the small town of Deadwood has long been considered to be one of the best historical communities in America and was recently noticed again by travel site loveEXPLORING.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
As per loveEXPLORING’s 20 of America’s most historic towns and cities, “It might be a sleepy little tourist town today, but during the Gold Rush in the late 1800s, things were a little different,” noting such iconic residents as “Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, and other notorious gunslingers, many of whom you’ll find buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery.”
Gorilla Jones/Wikimedia Commons
In addition to Deadwood, loveEXPORING mentions other historic communities like Savannah, Georgia; Williamsburg, Virginia; and Santa Fe, New Mexico (pictured).
JuliusR/Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1876, Deadwood was incorporated after Colonel George Armstrong Custer found gold in the area, and thousands of other white settlers migrated to find work and strike it rich.
H. R. Locke & Co. of Deadwood/Wikimedia Commons Before becoming incorporated, the area underwent several years of disputes between the Lakotas (who were granted the land) and white settlers.
Despite the mines eventually going dry, Deadwood remained prosperous and housed everything from the now-defunct Deadwood Central Railroad, as well as a Chinatown, unique shops and restaurants, and casinos.
Unknown author/Wikimedia Commons
When you visit Deadwood today, you will discover most of its original buildings and architecture, as well as mines, homes, museums, and more.
Flickr/Wayne Hsieh
To learn more about this historical, must-visit South Dakota town, please visit the Deadwood Chamber’s website.
Flickr/Shelby L. Bell
Do you have a favorite attraction that you would like to see featured on Only in South Dakota? If so, nominate it here! For even more to do around Deadwood, click on This Haunted South Dakota House Has The Most Heartbreaking Past.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Gorilla Jones/Wikimedia Commons
JuliusR/Wikimedia Commons
H. R. Locke & Co. of Deadwood/Wikimedia Commons
Before becoming incorporated, the area underwent several years of disputes between the Lakotas (who were granted the land) and white settlers.
Unknown author/Wikimedia Commons
Flickr/Wayne Hsieh
Flickr/Shelby L. Bell
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Address: Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
