Summary
Deadwood offers a historically accurate and well-researched depiction of life in the American West, blending truth with fiction to create an exciting narrative.
The town of Deadwood flourished during the Black Hills Gold Rush as it attracted fortune seekers from around the globe, leading to an influx of settlers. This series highlights pivotal moments and prominent individuals in Deadwood's past, such as the infamous murder of Wild Bill Hickok, an outbreak of smallpox, and the establishment of significant institutions like the Bullock Hotel.
Considered one of the greatest Western television series ever, Deadwood accurately portrays the historical events that shaped the real frontier town. With Timothy Olyphant and Ian McShane in the lead roles as sheriff Seth Bullock and saloon-owner Al Swearengen, the show also introduces iconic Wild West figures such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. By blending fact with fiction, Deadwood vividly depicts the hardships and opportunities that defined the mining town's establishment.
Despite its cancellation after three seasons, Deadwood remains a meticulously researched and well-documented series that offers a glimpse into the tough realities of life in the American West. The creators, writers, and actors prioritize historical accuracy whenever possible, while also incorporating creative elements to embellish characters inspired by those who sought their fortunes in Deadwood. Viewing Deadwood feels like being a fly on the wall in Al's saloon, providing a truly immersive experience for fans of the Western genre.
10 The Peak Of The Black Hills Gold Rush Was 1876-1877
With Colonel Custer scouring the Dakota territory in search of the ideal location for constructing a fort, his pursuits during the Black Hills Expedition of 1874 inspired adventurous individuals to join him. Following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, ambitious settlers from across the nation (and even from around the globe) flocked to stake their claims and seek their fortunes. Initially a cluster of makeshift shanties, Deadwood emerged as a thriving town thanks to the establishment of Al Swearengen's Gem Theater in 1876, which spurred the growth of a merchant class offering tools and merchandise to prospectors eager to strike it rich and establish permanent residence before land prices skyrocketed.
9 Wild Bill Hickok Was Shot & Killed By Jack McCall While Playing Poker
Wild Bill Hickok, one of the most renowned gunslingers in the history of the Wild West, arrived in Deadwood in 1876 as part of Charlie Utter's wagon train, accompanied by the infamous Calamity Jane. During this time, numerous men were eager to make a name for themselves by eliminating this well-known figure. Jack McCall seized this opportunity and proceeded to gun down Hickok, despite their previous interactions. The official Deadwood site dedicated to the town and its rich history reveals that McCall had suffered consecutive losses while gambling with Hickok the day before and, in a fit of outrage, discovered Hickok at his usual saloon, vulnerable with his back turned, and fatally shot him in the head.
8 There Was A Smallpox Outbreak In 1876
7 The Real Metz Family Were Killed In 1876
During the smallpox outbreak in Deadwood, quarantine tents known as pest houses were established to care for the sick. Despite the great risk to herself, Calamity Jane bravely volunteered to assist in the care of the infected individuals brought to these tents. According to the Deadwood site, the epidemic claimed the lives of 300 people, which represented a third of the town's population in 1876. As the disease spread, local businesses suffered devastating consequences, with shops closing down within days of their inhabitants contracting smallpox. However, the resilient citizens of Deadwood managed to rebuild, and the town became renowned for the collective spirit and determination of its people, who persevered in the face of tremendous loss.
A frightful incident unfolded in Deadwood, impacting the Metz family, a clan of Dutch immigrants en route to Minnesota. While Deadwood molded Al Swearengen, his savage nature persisted. Swearengen's henchmen assaulted the Metz camp, artfully making it resemble an attack by the Sioux. Unfortunately, the Metz massacre left no survivors, but in the series, The Widow takes in a young girl named Sofia. Swearengen keeps a close eye on her, hoping that she will never be able to identify any of his men once she learns to speak.
6 South Dakota Became A State In 1889
A decade has passed since the conclusion of the series, and the Deadwood movie captures the changes that time has wrought upon its characters. The catalyst for their reunion is the official statehood of the Dakota territory, coinciding with the transformation of Deadwood from a ramshackle collection of shacks into a vibrant cosmopolitan hub, complete with bustling streets and its own train station. As South Dakota gained statehood, Deadwood thrived as it gained the ability to transport valuable resources such as lumber and ore by rail. This newfound prosperity transformed the town into a flourishing community that bore little resemblance to its humble origins just ten years earlier.
5 Wyatt Earp & Morgan Earp Visited Deadwood In 1876
In 1876, the Earp brothers arrived in Deadwood with hopes of striking it rich. Wyatt Earp, in his book Frontier Marshal by Stuart Lake, recounts how their desire for adventure led them to leave Dodge City, Kansas and join the frenzy of the Black Hills Gold Rush. Despite the overcrowded mining areas, Earp devised a plan to try their luck at the gambling tables instead of searching for gold in the ground. Additionally, the brothers briefly engaged in the transportation of lumber using their team of horses during the spring before returning to Dodge City ahead of the approaching winter.
4 Jack Langrishe Established A Theater House In Deadwood In 1876
3 Seth Bullock Opened The Bullock Hotel (That Still Stands 125 Years Later)
Noted actor Jack Langrishe graced the final season of Deadwood, bringing with him a talented theater troupe. Their mission was to infuse some much-needed culture into the town. Legends of America reveals that they initially performed at the Bella Union Theater. However, to avoid conflicting with the local brothel, they eventually established their own theater house. Langrishe and his troupe, along with the contributions of Martha Bullock, played a vital role in introducing art, culture, and a connection to the outside world to the otherwise isolated community of Deadwood.
In Deadwood: The Movie, Seth Bullock, once the sheriff, now serves as a U.S. Marshal and continues to uphold law and order in the bustling mining town. Alongside his friend Sol Star, Bullock has transcended his role as a hardware store owner and together they have established the renowned Bullock Hotel. Still standing after 125 years, the Bullock Hotel remains a popular attraction for Deadwood enthusiasts and pays homage to one of its most iconic historical figures.
2 George Hearst And His Mining Operations Arrived In Deadwood In 1877
Prior to achieving his status as one of the nation's most influential newspaper publishers, George Hearst ventured to Deadwood with the sole purpose of unearthing "the color." Upon acquiring the Homestake Mine, he progressively expanded his ownership by procuring additional claims and mining facilities in the encompassing Deadwood Gulch, ultimately amassing a staggering 600 acres and exerting an undeniable sway over the town. Despite the depiction in Deadwood: The Movie, where Hearst faces arrest for the murder of Charlie Utter and endures a merciless thrashing by a mob led by Calamity Jane, the actual Hearst was never held accountable for his dubious tactics employed to attain claims in Deadwood.
1 Sol Star Became The Mayor Of Deadwood In 1884
In addition to Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen, Sol Star played a pivotal role in the history of Deadwood as a real person. Upon their arrival in Deadwood, he and Bullock established a hardware store. As time went on, Sol not only supported Bullock in running the Bullock Hotel but also embarked on a political journey. After E.P. was elected as mayor, Star became the mayor of Deadwood in 1884. He held this position for several years and eventually became a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives. However, Deadwood does not fully depict the extent of his notable political career.
Source: Spearfish Area Historical Society, Deadwood, Legends of America, The Historic Bullock Hotel
